Wales NHS waiting lists rise for fifth consecutive month

NHS waiting lists in Wales have increased for the fifth month in a row, reaching over 714,200 treatment pathways at the end of August. Provisional data suggests this figure rose further to approximately 721,400 in September.

Health Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor described the figures as “not good enough,” noting that too many people are waiting too long for necessary treatment. While the total number of pathways has grown, provisional figures for September indicate a slight reduction in patients waiting more than two years, which stood at approximately 4,900.

In North Wales, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reported a rise in patients waiting over two years for the second consecutive month. The board currently holds the highest proportion of long-term waits in Wales, particularly in general surgery and ear, nose, and throat departments.

The Welsh Government has committed an additional £145 million to clinician-led plans aimed at restructuring planned care delivery and eliminating waits exceeding two years.