The number of Welsh patients waiting over 36 weeks for orthopaedic treatment has rocketed from 11 to 4,466 – in 16 months.
That’s a rise of 40,500 per cent.
The figure accounts for the majority of all patients waiting more than 36 weeks for any kind of treatment. In all, 5,207 people have been on NHS waiting lists for longer than the Welsh Government’s maximum target time.
As of January 31st 2010, the 36 week limit had only been missed for 11 ‘trauma and orthopaedic’ patients. The most recent figures (as of March 31st 2011) show 4,466 patients fall outside the target time.
Cardiff & Vale Local Health Board fares worst, with 3,106 patients waiting over 36 weeks.
Betsi Cadwaladr LHB is next, with 991.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said, “This shocking rise plainly shows the serious problem facing orthopaedic waiting times.
“The new Health Minister has said she doesn’t want to see waiting times ‘slip’. It’s too late for that. We need to focus on the drastic slide that’s already taken place under Labour.
“An overall increase of 40,500 per cent beggars belief. There must be a reason and we need to find out what it is.
“The annual operating framework is absolutely clear; if a patient is not seen within 26 weeks, they must be seen within 36.
“While some local health boards are meeting that target, many have seen recent rapid increases. That’s got to stop.
“Lessons from successful boards need to be shared and we need to see a clear strategy aimed at tackling the problem.
“Just before the Assembly election the former Health Minister announced a cash injection to deal with this.
“We need clarification on that investment and I want a detailed explanation of where the money is going and how it’s going to help.”
