Wales has a very poor health record, with life expectancies varying five years within a mile. Inequalities in health are most pronounced in areas that also experience social and economic deprivation, such as the South Wales valleys.
Improving people's health cannot be done through health care systems alone. A concerted effort needs to be made to tackle the causes of ill health and their roots.
It is hoped that this book, which sets out such an agenda in the context of the new political landscape, will become a useful handbook for policy makers in Wales, in order to ensure that Wales is able to utilise its increased autonomy in the interests of creating a holistic agenda to improve the health of the people of Wales.
Suggested citation
Bainton D, Davidson J and Monaghan S (1999) Freeing the dragon: New opportunities to improve the health of the Welsh people. Research report. Nuffield Trust.