An advisory group consisting of eight individuals has been established to address the extensive NHS waiting lists in Wales. The group operates independently of NHS Wales and aims to conduct a comprehensive review of current systems to enhance healthcare services in Wales. Jeremy Miles, the cabinet secretary for health and social care, announced the formation of the group, highlighting its role in supporting efforts to reduce long waiting times within the Welsh healthcare system. The group is tasked with providing external assurance on the effectiveness of existing arrangements and offering recommendations to enhance performance and productivity across NHS Wales.
The advisory group will focus not only on reducing waiting times but also on improving planned care, cancer treatment outcomes, and emergency care services. Scheduled to convene for the first time this month, the group is expected to submit its recommendations to the health secretary by March 31, 2025. The group comprises distinguished members with significant experience in healthcare management and policy development. Sir David Sloman, Sir Paul Williams, Professor Tim Briggs, Professor Sally Lewis, Professor Marcus Longley, Adam Roberts, Ed Rose, and Dr Tara Sood form the expert panel entrusted with this crucial task.
Sir David Sloman, the chair of the group, brings four decades of expertise in healthcare management, having previously served as NHS England’s chief operating officer. Professor Tim Briggs, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, holds key leadership positions in clinical improvement and elective recovery. Professor Sally Lewis, an expert in value-based healthcare, and Professor Marcus Longley, with over 40 years of experience in the NHS, provide valuable insights into health policy and service delivery.
Adam Roberts and Ed Rose contribute their knowledge in urgent and emergency care services and cancer treatment programmes, respectively. Dr Tara Sood, a seasoned emergency medicine consultant, offers her expertise in same-day emergency care. Sir Paul Williams, a former chief executive of multiple NHS trusts and director general for health and social services in the Welsh Government, brings a wealth of experience in healthcare governance and strategy.
The collaborative efforts of this advisory group are poised to drive significant improvements in NHS services in Wales, offering a strategic roadmap to enhance patient care and reduce waiting times in the healthcare system.