Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care highlights importance of research and evidence in driving improvements in health and social care

This week the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS, opened an event celebrating high-quality research which is driving improvements in health and social care for a healthier Wales. 

Attended by research experts, health and social care decision makers and the public, the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre Symposium showcased research evidence addressing key issues facing Wales, including waiting lists, NHS dentistry and overweight and obesity in children. 

The Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre was launched in 2023 to provide vital evidence to Ministers and policymakers, to help ensure policies and services in Wales draw on findings from the most up to date and rigorous research.  

Jeremy Miles MS said: “High-quality research is vital to understanding what treatments and care are the most effective and impactful for patients, the public and for staff. 

“The Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre helps us to provide the best evidence-based health and social care services to patients and communities. 

It’s great to see the centre going from strength to strength and that we have such a critical resource available to us in Wales.”  

Women’s health – a key Welsh Government priority – was also discussed at the Symposium, with Dr Helen Munro, Health and Care Research Wales Faculty member and Clinical Lead for the Strategic Clinical Network for Women’s Health, speaking about filling research gaps and forging new pathways through the Women’s Health Plan for Wales. 

Dr Munro added: “Women's health research is more critical than ever – we need to understand how sex and gender impact differently on various diseases and ill-health. 

“I'm pleased to have spoken at the symposium to share how we can come together to help drive meaningful progress, shape services and improve experiences and outcomes.” 

Professor Adrian Edwards, Director of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre added: “We are proud to have brought together stakeholders from across Wales to highlight the essential work of the Evidence Centre, to network and to share best practice. 

“At the Evidence Centre we’re proud to be providing vital evidence to help decision-makers develop policies and practice that can improve the health of people in Wales.” 

Keep up to date with the work of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre by visiting their website or by signing up to the Health and Care Research Wales weekly newsletter.