Waiting times for NHS treatment in different regions of Wales vary significantly, as waiting lists in the country have hit a record high. Recent data reveals that there were approximately 620,300 patients waiting for treatment in Wales in October, marking the highest number on record. The challenge in Wales is not just the volume of people waiting but also the duration of their wait. Despite a target to eliminate waits exceeding two years by March 2023, in October, 24,200 patients were still waiting beyond this timeframe. Certain specialities like dermatology, general surgery, and orthopaedics present exceptionally challenging waits.
Earlier this Autumn, the Welsh Government allocated additional funding to health boards in Wales to address the issue of lengthy waiting lists, particularly those exceeding two years. This funding has been utilized for initiatives such as extending weekend and evening appointments and arranging treatments for some patients at private healthcare facilities. To provide a glimpse into the waiting times patients have experienced in recent months, data from closed pathways in October 2024 was analysed. A closed pathway refers to the time from referral for treatment to either treatment completion or other outcomes.
When examining the closed pathways per 100,000 population in October 2024, it was found that Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB had the longest waits, with 1,117 patient pathways per 100,000 population waiting over 36 weeks. Conversely, Swansea Bay UHB had the most patient pathways closed in under 26 weeks, with 4,081 pathways per 100,000 population during the same period. The difference in waiting times between 26 and 36 weeks across Wales was not significant, highlighting variations in performance among health boards in the country.
Despite efforts to reduce waiting times, Wales continues to face challenges in meeting treatment targets and providing timely care to patients. The disparities in waiting times across different regions underscore the need for further strategies to improve access to healthcare services in Wales. As the healthcare system grapples with increasing demand and resource constraints, addressing waiting times remains a crucial priority to ensure timely and effective care for all patients across the country.