One in seven people in Wales are on an NHS waiting list and nearly eight thousand have been waiting longer than 36 weeks for treatment.
That’s according to the Welsh Government’s latest referral to treatment figures – published today.
Welsh Conservatives have criticised the statistics, which show a slight increase in the overall number of people waiting longer than 36 weeks in November. The government’s own ultimate target is to treat all patients within that timeframe.
386,977 people are on an NHS waiting list in Wales. 7,739 have not been seen quickly enough.
Of all patients treated during November alone, the government’s target was missed on over 3,200.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“NHS waiting times are being brushed under the carpet by Labour. The First Minister refuses to admit there’s a significant problem, yet the figures speak for themselves.
“He has an ultimate target for treating people and it’s not being met. That deserves an admission of failure and a guarantee that it will be properly addressed.
“Thousands of people are not being seen in time. That’s indisputable. It’s there in black and white in the government’s own figures and in November it got worse.
“As a result of Labour’s budget, 86 million pounds will be cut from the NHS in this coming year alone. Despite the hard work of health professionals, that will make their efforts increasingly difficult.
“Wales deserves to have the problem of waiting times dealt with appropriately. No more dithering, denying or empty promises – but quick and suitable action.”
