The Minister for Social Care Dawn Bowden has praised the launch of the new National Office for Care and Support, marking a significant milestone in the Welsh Government's efforts to strengthen social care arrangements at a national level.

The focus on innovation, improvement, and transformation of adult and children's services will play a key role in the development of a National Care Service in Wales. The National Office for Care and Support is the first step in the phased plan to implement the National Care Service, which is a shared priority in the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

This initiative will support the Chief Social Care Officer for Wales in delivering a National Care Service and implementing the National Commissioning Framework for Care and Support in Wales.

Newly-appointed Minister for Social Care, Dawn Bowden highlighted the increasing number of people aged 85 and over in Wales and emphasized the need to rethink how we care for the older population. She said:

“The number of people aged 85 and over in Wales is projected to increase by more than 65% over the next 20 years – it is to be celebrated that we are living longer but it also means we need to radically rethink how we care for our older population.

“The launch of the National Office for Care and Support is another important milestone in our ambitious journey to create a National Care and Support Service. It will be crucial to help guide the sector as it drives improvements in access to care and the experience of service users.

“It will also play an essential role in the integration of health and social care, working closely with the NHS Executive to ensure Wales’ health and social care system is fit for the future.”

Albert Heaney, Chief Social Care Officer for Wales, emphasised that the national office will bring together various stakeholders to work towards national priorities and quality standards in the delivery of social care services. By directing resources to those most in need, the office aims to drive improvement and achieve better outcomes and experiences for service users.