8,283 patients spent longer than four hours in accident and emergency departments across Wales in January, and 2,555 were not treated within the ultimate target of eight hours.
That’s according to the most recent statistics published by the Welsh Government. The figures show a drop in performance in both targets on the previous month.
The last time 95 per cent of A and E patients were seen within four hours – across Wales – was in August 2009.
Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM said:
“It’s difficult to avoid a sense of déjà vu when the government publishes these figures every month, then completely ignores them.
“Its targets are there for a reason – to be met. The last time that happened for A&E waits was two and a half years ago. That can’t be treated as acceptable by anyone.
“Thousands of people are being kept waiting longer than they should be, and longer than the government clearly thinks is safe and acceptable. Many of these will be the young and elderly, the vulnerable and chronically ill. They in particular should not be put through unwarranted distress and discomfort.
“I would like the health minister to acknowledge that these figures are not good enough and put plans in place to deal with them once and for all.”
