A record high number of people have been waiting over 36 weeks for the start of their treatment in the NHS, according to figures published yesterday.
By the end of November, a total of 13,269 patients had been waiting over 36 weeks until the start of their treatment. This is despite the Welsh Labour Government’s target for 100% of patients to be seen within the 36 week period.
The Welsh Government also has a target for 95% of patients to wait less than 26 weeks until the start of their treatment. This target was also missed, with only 88% of patients being seen within this time.
Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
“No one should be forced to wait over 36 weeks until the start of their treatment. Yet here in Wales, under a failing Labour Government, over 13,000 people have to wait over that time. That is disgraceful.
“Waiting for the start of their treatment is a very stressful time for any patient. Reducing these long waiting periods has to be a priority for this Welsh Labour Government.
“Whether it is inadequate cancer care, poor ambulance response times or lengthy waiting times, the Welsh Labour Government is failing to offer the health service that patients in Wales need and deserve. This poverty of ambition is letting patients across Wales down.
“NHS staff are working incredibly hard to help patients, but their attempts are being hampered by an incompetent Welsh Labour Government.”
