The new Welsh Government will pick up the pace to ensure people
across Wales are seen faster for NHS treatment.
It comes as new figures released today show 666,700 patient
pathways waiting to start NHS treatment, although this was a fall
of 21,300 in March compared to February.
Just under 2,600 pathways were waiting more than two years, a
decrease of 1,928 from the previous month. The average waiting
time for treatment is just over 15 weeks.
Health and Care Minister is clear that much more
needs to be done.
He said: "Too many people are waiting too long for NHS treatment.
That is the reality and it is an issue we are determined to fix.
"It is people's lives we are talking about - and my job is to
make sure the Welsh Government works closely with the NHS to
ensure people who need treatment get it much quicker.
"It is vital we see improvements in the waiting list, waiting
times and access to ambulance and emergency department services,
and I want to recognise the dedication of NHS Wales staff who are
working to drive the progress we all need to see.”
The Minister will visit Neath Port Talbot Hospital's surgical
unit today, his first visit since taking office, where he will
meet frontline NHS staff.
To tackle waiting times, the Welsh Government has committed in
its first 100 days to commissioning an independent review of NHS
performance in Wales, with a particular focus on the impact of
waiting lists on population health.
A new expert task group will also be set up to develop plans for
up to ten new elective care hubs across Wales, with a delivery
plan due to be published by the end of 2026.
The Health and Care Minister added: "I came into this role
knowing what people's experiences have been when it comes to
waiting for NHS treatment.
“Today's figures are a starting point. We will be honest with the
people of Wales about the progress we make, and we will rightly
be judged on results. We intend to meet the scale of the
challenge ahead.”
Notes to editors
NHS activity and
performance summary | GOV.WALES
