District nursing in Wales: policy, practice and future direction

District nursing in Wales has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, shaped by demographic pressures, legislative drivers and a strategic shift toward integrated place-based care. Operating within a population of 3.2 million - characterised by slower population growth and an older age profile than other UK nations - district nursing services now form a critical component of the integrated community care system. This article explores the evolving policy landscape, the implementation of neighbourhood-based models, the integration of data and digital systems, and the challenges and opportunities facing the future district nursing workforce in Wales. It highlights how district nurses deliver population health value and system resilience, positioning them as essential to the long-term sustainability of NHS Wales.