Health

NHS waiting list in Wales stays above 800,000 as concerns grow

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

THE LATEST figures for NHS Wales show that waiting lists remain stubbornly high, with 800,395 patient pathways still awaiting treatment. Despite a small decrease from November’s figures, concerns persist over the length of delays and the impact on patients across the country.

Long waits and emergency response failures

The statistics reveal that fewer than half (48.3%) of the most serious emergency calls—classified as ‘red’—received a response within the eight-minute target time. Additionally, median waits for treatment have increased by 0.6 weeks to 23.6 weeks, a stark contrast to the 14.2-week median wait in England.

***A&E Department at Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest (Image: Herald)***

In December, 10,387 patients waited over 12 hours in Welsh emergency departments, despite a target of zero patients exceeding this timeframe. The proportion of patients seen within four hours in A&E also fell to 67.6%, well below the 95% target.

Experts warn that delays in emergency response times and long A&E waiting periods put patient safety at risk, increasing the likelihood of deteriorating conditions before treatment is received. Patients suffering from strokes, heart attacks, and other critical conditions are especially vulnerable to these delays.

Tory response: ‘Labour distracted by pet projects’

***Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies, Senedd Member for South Wales Central***

Andrew RT Davies, former party leader, criticised the Labour-led Welsh Government for failing to tackle the crisis effectively.

“People in Wales will take little solace in this downturn in patient pathways,” said Mr. Davies. “After months and months of Labour’s NHS waiting lists reaching record highs, a small decrease is the first step in an incredibly long journey, and I have serious doubts that Labour have the focus to keep us on this path.”

He added: “If Labour could only drop their pet projects and distractions, Wales might have a Welsh Government fully and unshakably committed to working with staff to turn our NHS around.”

The Conservatives argue that funding has been misallocated to non-essential projects rather than front-line services. They claim that additional resources should be directed toward increasing NHS capacity, improving recruitment, and cutting bureaucracy to allow medical staff to focus on patient care.

Two-year waits still high

A major point of contention remains the lengthy two-year waits for treatment, which stand at 23,621 in Wales. In England, only 155 patients remain on similar extended waiting lists. Welsh Labour’s First Minister Eluned Morgan, who previously served as Health Minister, had pledged to eliminate these long waits by March 2023 and then again by March 2024—but both targets have been missed.

For thousands of Welsh patients, these long delays mean living in pain and uncertainty, often forced to give up work while waiting for essential procedures. Patient advocacy groups have called for immediate action, urging the government to accelerate treatment pathways and explore innovative solutions, such as expanding the role of community hospitals and increasing specialist workforce recruitment.

Cancer treatment sees best performance since 2021

Performance against the 62-day cancer treatment target improved in December, rising to 61.9% from 60.2% in November. While this represents the best performance since August 2021, it remains well below the 75% target. Campaigners argue that more must be done to ensure cancer patients are diagnosed and treated as early as possible, particularly as delays can significantly impact survival rates.

Waiting lists show first signs of decline

A key development in the latest figures is a slight reduction in the overall number of patient pathways, which fell from just under 802,300 in November to just under 800,400 in December. While this marks the first decrease in several months, waiting lists remain at crisis levels, with over 600,000 patients still waiting for treatment.

Health leaders warn that the downward trend could be temporary, particularly as winter pressures continue to take a toll on hospital capacity and workforce shortages persist.

NHS leaders urge long-term investment

***Wait times: Improvements were made in several areas but wait times remain high***

Darren Hughes, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, acknowledged the dedication of NHS staff in delivering improvements despite unprecedented challenges but stressed that urgent action is still needed.

“The latest figures show a mixed picture of performance in the face of relentless demand and pressure on NHS services,” Mr. Hughes said.

“The fact that improvements were made in several areas is testament to the dedication of staff who labour night and day to provide treatment for patients—thank you for your determination, commitment, care, and hard work. These improvements include performance in emergency departments in January, the overall number of people waiting for treatment coming down for the first time in months, and the best performance against the 62-day cancer target since 2021. Given these statistics are based on December and January, the most difficult months of the year for the health service and a particularly difficult flu season, these green shoots are not to be dismissed.”

However, he cautioned that major challenges remain, particularly in tackling waiting lists and ensuring sustainable improvements across the system.

“We cannot ignore that, ultimately, challenges remain across the breadth of health and social care services, and people are needing higher levels of care at an ever-increasing rate. Waiting lists are higher than any of us would like them to be. Health and care leaders know there is still a long way to go in what is a very difficult financial climate, and staff are committed to continuing to innovate and transform services in the face of increasing demand.”

Mr. Hughes warned that without long-term investment and strategic planning, the NHS would continue to struggle to cope with rising demand.

“The NHS is likely to face more difficult winters until we tackle the long-term challenges across the NHS and social care. Unless we make meaningful shifts towards prevention, longer-term planning and solutions, upgrading to fit-for-purpose physical and digital infrastructure, and creating a sustainable social care system, the NHS will continue to firefight day in, day out.”

Political pressure intensifies

With waiting lists still at record levels and emergency care targets continuing to fall short, political pressure is mounting on the Welsh Government to deliver meaningful reforms.

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised Labour’s handling of the NHS, arguing that funding has been misallocated to “pet projects” rather than front-line services. Meanwhile, patient advocacy groups are calling for increased investment in staffing, diagnostic equipment, and hospital infrastructure to address the deepening crisis.

As the Welsh NHS continues to grapple with growing demand, the question remains whether these modest improvements are the start of a sustained recovery or merely a brief respite in an ongoing healthcare crisis.

Health

Wales most aware of alcohol addiction, but experts warn summer habits carry danger

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MORE people in Wales recognise alcohol as addictive than anywhere else in Britain, new research has found, but health experts are warning that awareness alone may not be enough to prevent harmful drinking habits.

The findings come ahead of the busy summer period, when pubs, beer gardens, festivals, barbecues and outdoor events often lead to increased alcohol consumption.

According to YouGov data, 86% of people in Wales describe alcohol as addictive — the highest figure recorded across Britain and above the national average of 78%.

Only 14% of Welsh respondents said alcohol was either “not very addictive” or “not addictive at all”.

By comparison, London recorded the lowest level of awareness, with 69% of respondents recognising alcohol as addictive.

Health professionals say the results show that while many people understand the risks, regular drinking can still become habitual, particularly during periods of increased socialising.

Official figures suggest adults consume an average of 10.7 litres of pure alcohol per person each year, equivalent to around 21 UK units per week. That is around nine pints of beer or seven large glasses of wine, and is significantly above the recommended maximum of 14 units a week.

Nearly one in five adults are also said to drink at hazardous levels or above, with men more than twice as likely as women to fall into that category.

Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said alcohol occupied a “unique place” in British culture because it was both legal and socially encouraged.

She said: “What’s particularly interesting is that most people understand alcohol can be addictive, yet many still underestimate how easily regular drinking can become habitual. Dependence often develops gradually and doesn’t always fit the stereotypes people associate with addiction.

“During the summer months, drinking can become even more normalised through holidays, beer gardens, barbecues, festivals and sporting events.

“The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness about alcohol’s risks. It’s recognising when a socially accepted habit has crossed the line into something that’s beginning to have a negative impact on your health, wellbeing or daily life.”

Dr Faulkner said people wanting to cut back should consider planning alcohol-free days, alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, setting limits before social events, and keeping track of their weekly intake.

She also urged people to watch for signs that alcohol may be becoming more important than intended, including finding it difficult to relax, socialise or enjoy an event without drinking.

Panthera Clinic has launched a free online Alcohol Health Calculator to help people assess how their drinking habits may be affecting their health and wellbeing.

Dr Faulkner added that low and no-alcohol alternatives had become more widely available, making it easier for people to reduce their intake while still taking part in social occasions.

Health

Welsh Government refuses to halt Withybush and Bronglais service review

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health Minister tells Paul Davies MS that decisions remain a matter for Hywel Dda University Health Board

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has declined to intervene in controversial plans affecting services at Withybush and Bronglais hospitals, prompting fresh criticism from local Senedd Member Paul Davies.

In a letter dated June 19, Health and Care Cabinet Secretary Mabon ap Gwynfor said responsibility for planning and delivering NHS services rests with local health boards and confirmed that Hywel Dda University Health Board should continue its consultation process on proposed service changes.

The response follows concerns raised by Mr Davies on behalf of constituents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion over the future configuration of clinical services, including stroke care.

While acknowledging strong public concern about access to healthcare in rural communities, the Minister stopped short of offering any commitment to block or reverse the Health Board’s proposals.

Instead, he stressed that any changes must be supported by robust evidence, maintain patient safety and demonstrate improved outcomes.

The Minister wrote: “Responsibility for planning and delivering health services rests with local health boards, including decisions about how services are organised.”

He added that proposals must improve outcomes for patients, maintain safe and equitable access to care and be supported by thorough impact assessments.

Paul Davies MS described the response as disappointing.

Posting the letter on social media, he said: “This letter tells me that the Welsh Government is not going to stand in the way of the Health Board’s plans.”

He added that he would raise the issue in the Senedd chamber next week and continue pressing ministers to intervene.

The exchange comes as Hywel Dda University Health Board continues a public consultation on proposed changes to stroke services across west Wales.

The consultation, which opened on May 28, is due to run until July 26.

In his response, the Minister stated that anyone suffering a stroke should receive treatment “as quickly as possible in the most appropriate setting” and said the current model of stroke care in Wales must evolve if national standards are to be achieved.

The comments are likely to fuel concern among campaigners opposed to the proposed changes, who fear services could become increasingly centralised and further away from rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.