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

RCN Wales appoints Nicola Williams as Executive Director

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.

Health

Decision pending on adult mental health referral pathway

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA University Health Board will decide next week whether to make changes to the GP referral pathway for routine adult mental health services permanent.

The decision will be taken at a public Board meeting on Thursday (Mar 26).

Board members will consider a proposal to formalise changes already introduced in Ceredigion and, if approved, roll out the revised pathway across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Since March 2025, adults in Ceredigion seeking routine mental health support have been advised by their GP to contact the NHS 111 Wales ‘Press 2’ service, rather than being referred directly to the county’s Community Mental Health Team.

The temporary change was introduced in response to ongoing staffing shortages. Health Board officials say the approach has helped maintain timely access to face-to-face assessments for those who need them, while directing initial contact through a single access point.

The 111 ‘Press 2’ service provides telephone assessments by local wellbeing practitioners, supervised by registered mental health nurses, offering advice, support and onward referrals where required.

At its November 2025 meeting, the Board agreed to extend the temporary pathway until the end of March 2026. A nine-week engagement exercise followed, running from December 8 to February 9, to gather feedback from patients, professionals and stakeholders on the potential long-term impact.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and experiences.

“I would also like to thank West Wales Action for Mental Health for supporting engagement with patients, including those with lived experience, alongside GPs, primary care teams, mental health staff and third sector partners.

“Our priority is to ensure mental health services remain accessible, fair and sustainable. The temporary changes in Ceredigion have shown some positive benefits, and the feedback we have received from across the three counties will play an important role in shaping the Board’s decision.”

The Board will review all evidence and feedback before making a final decision on the future of the adult mental health referral pathway.

GPs will continue to refer patients with urgent or complex needs directly to community mental health teams where appropriate, and have access to a dedicated NHS 111 professional line for additional clinical advice.

Further details, including the full Board papers, are available here:
https://biphdd.gig.cymru/amdanom-ni/eich-bwrdd-iechyd/cyfarfodydd-y-bwrdd-2026/agenda-a-phapuraur-bwrdd-26-mawrth-2026/

The meeting will be streamed live from 9:30am on Thursday (Mar 26) via:
www.youtube.com/hywelddahealthboard1

Health

Parents urged to check children’s vaccinations after meningitis cases

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Local pharmacy reports MenB vaccine shortage amid rising concern

PARENTS and carers across west Wales are being urged to check their children’s vaccination status following recent meningitis cases in the UK.

The warning comes as a local pharmacy has confirmed a shortage of the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, highlighting growing pressure on supplies.

Mendus Pharmacy said it currently has no availability of the vaccine due to what it described as a nationwide supply issue.

***Mendus Pharmacy: No availability of the vaccine***

In a statement, the pharmacy said: “We would like to inform our patients that, due to ongoing supply issues, we currently have no availability of the Meningitis B vaccine.

“Unfortunately, this is a nationwide shortage and all stock is currently unavailable.

“We understand this may be particularly concerning given the recent outbreak reported in Kent, and we completely appreciate the importance of timely vaccination.”

The pharmacy confirmed it is operating a waiting list and will contact patients once supplies return.

Health officials say keeping vaccinations up to date remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and reduce pressure on NHS services.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, urged parents to act.

She said: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect children and young people from serious illness.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities.

“I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status. If you are concerned that your child may have missed routine vaccinations, please speak to your GP.”

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. While many people recover, some are left with long-term physical, neurological or psychological complications. Around one in ten cases can be fatal.

Although the disease can affect anyone, babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at greatest risk.

In Wales, vaccines protecting against meningococcal strains A, B, C, W and Y are offered as part of the NHS immunisation programme. Infants receive the MenB vaccine, while teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccine.

Latest figures from the Health Board show that uptake among 16-year-olds for the MenACWY vaccine stands at 76.4%, meaning a significant number of young people remain unprotected as they approach adulthood.

For younger children, uptake of the MenB vaccine is higher but still below the recommended 95% target. Around 92.8% of infants are vaccinated by their first birthday, rising slightly to 91.8% by their second.

Health officials say these figures reflect strong engagement from families and primary care teams but stress that continued vigilance is needed.

Families are being advised to check their child’s vaccination record with their GP or by contacting the Health Board directly. Parents should also ensure babies receive their scheduled MenB doses and that teenagers receive their MenACWY and 3-in-1 booster vaccines, which are currently being delivered in schools.

Parents are also urged to remain alert to the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and to seek urgent medical advice if they have concerns.

Further information on symptoms is available via NHS 111 Wales.