Healthcare in Wales is mainly provided by the Welsh public health service, NHS Wales. NHS Wales provides healthcare to all permanent residents that is free at the point of need and paid for from general taxation. Health is a matter that is devolved, and considerable differences are now developing between the public healthcare systems in the different countries of the United Kingdom, collectively the National Health Service (NHS).[1] Though the public system dominates healthcare provision, private health care and a wide variety of alternative and complementary treatments are available for those willing to pay.[2][3]
The largest hospital in the country is usually the University Hospital of Wales hospital, however the temporary Dragon's Heart Hospital set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales was larger, and is the second largest hospital in the United Kingdom.[4]
Unlike in England, NHS prescriptions are free to everyone registered with a GP in Wales (although those on low incomes, under 18, and under 60 do get prescriptions for free in England).[5]
Initially administered by the UK Government, since 1999 NHS Wales has been funded and managed by the Welsh Government.[6]
- ^ NHS now four different systems BBC 2 January 2008
- ^ Peregrine, Chris (29 January 2019). "Here is why people choose private health care for life-changing operations". walesonline. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- ^ "Health centres in Wales | Find a health centre | Bupa UK". www.bupa.co.uk. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- ^ CVUHB, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board- (20 January 2017). "NHS Wales | Staff at Wales' biggest hospital reveal how flu is impacting wards". www.wales.nhs.uk. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- ^ "Free prescriptions". GOV.WALES. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- ^ "One NHS, or Many? The National Health Service under Devolution | The Political Studies Association (PSA)". One NHS, or Many? The National Health Service under Devolution | The Political Studies Association (PSA). Retrieved 31 October 2019.