Skip to main content
Senedd debates report showing ageing population will strain social care system

SENEDD members debated a new report today showing an ageing and sicker population in Wales will put the health and social care system under greater strain.

The report by chief scientific adviser for health Dr Rob Orford examined the likely pressures on the NHS and social care in Wales over the next 10 to 25 years. 

Mr Orford’s report estimates that almost 20 per cent of the population will be aged 70 and over, with 22 per cent more people expected to have diabetes, and the number of people with four or more long-term conditions possibly doubling.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Rescue workers form a chain to move debri in desperate efforts to reach the children trapped in the Pantglas Junior School at Aberfan, Glamorgan
Wales / 21 October 2025
21 October 2025
A general view of staff on a NHS hospital ward at Ealing Hospital in London
Features / 11 October 2025
11 October 2025

We need a massive change in direction to renew a crumbling health service — that’s why Plaid Cymru has an ambitious plan to recentre primary care by recruiting 500 additional GPs and opening six new elective care hubs across Wales, writes MABON AP GWYNFOR

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives with Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan (left) and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens (right) for a visit to RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales, June 27, 2025
Welsh Labour Conference 2025 / 29 June 2025
29 June 2025
First Minister and Labour leader in Wales, Baroness Eluned Morgan, delivers a keynote speech marking one year to the 2026 Senedd election, at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff, May 6, 2025
Welsh Labour Conference 2025 / 27 June 2025
27 June 2025