435,000 patients waiting to start treatment in Wales

The number of patients waiting more than 36 weeks to start treatment rose marginally last month, with 4.5% (19,446) of all patient pathways failing to meet the Welsh Government’s target.

Hywel Dda remained the worst performing health board in Wales, with just 80.2% of all patients being treated within 26 weeks (falling from 81.4% in April); and 8.8% (4,798) of all patients waiting over 36 weeks.

Welsh Conservatives have called for action to tackle “systemic issues” in the Welsh NHS and called on the Cabinet Secretary to put together a comprehensive plan to tackle waiting times.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, Angela Burns AM, said:

“Despite the best efforts of Welsh NHS staff, there are chronic issues in the system that are delaying the path to starting treatment for too many patients.

“We have seen some improvement over the last year, which is welcome, but referral to treatment targets haven’t been met since September 2011.

“All parties have the best interests of patients and staff at heart and whilst we may not always agree with the route to progress, we need to be willing to work together to address these issues.

“Delays between diagnosis and treatment create huge added worry for patients and their families and can often result in poorer outcomes.

“The new Cabinet Secretary needs to put together a comprehensive plan of action to tackle the issues directly impacting on the delivery of healthcare locally and patients will quite rightly want to see a little less talking and more action.”