People Facing Abysmal Waits in Welsh NHS

Responding to today’s health statistics published by the Welsh Government, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have described the current situation as “abysmal” and called on more to be done to improve waiting times and make sure people get the care they need when they need it.

According to today’s statistics, waiting times for A&E are the fifth-worst on record, four out of seven health boards are failing to have even half of red calls for ambulances reach patients within the 8 minute target time, and one in four patients are waiting over a year for treatment on the NHS. This comes on top of yesterday's figures showing almost 80% of referrals to Child Mental Health Services were not being seen in the four-week waiting time.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member Jane Dodds said:

“These figures truly are abysmal and make for harrowing reading. While the pandemic has resulted in extra pressure on the NHS in Wales, we cannot pretend it hasn’t been in crisis for many years now.

“We urgently need action to reduce waiting times and make sure patients are getting the care they need when they need it. This has to be at the very top of the Government’s priority list.

“It was disappointing to see that the issue of waiting times was given no mention in the cooperation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru. We cannot afford for the Administration to lose focus on this most important of issues.”

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