The Welsh Government's funding has led to a remarkable achievement: nearly 100,000 additional NHS appointments by the end of December. This is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of waiting times. But here's where it gets controversial: while the numbers are impressive, the quality of care and accessibility for all patients remain a concern.
In June, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles announced a substantial £120 million investment to tackle waiting times. This funding has resulted in a surge of extra appointments, including weekend slots, across the country. Moreover, it has facilitated the provision of 20,000 additional cataract operations by March 2026. However, the latest figures for planned care exclude statistics for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which is currently under review for its data collection, quality assurance, and reporting processes.
The NHS performance figures for October reveal a positive trend, with six health boards showing a decrease in the total number of people waiting for treatment. Swansea Bay boasts no patients waiting a year or more for their first outpatient appointment, while Powys and Hywel Dda have only one and six respectively. There was a 7.1% decrease in October compared to September in the number of people waiting longer than the target time for diagnostics.
October also brought good news for 14,533 patients who learned they did not have cancer. The overall time the Welsh Ambulance Service waited to transfer people to staff at the hospital's emergency department fell by nearly a third in November compared to the same month last year, and delays of over one hour were down 30% compared to November 2024.
However, the high demand for urgent and emergency care services across Wales remains a concern. November 2025 saw the highest attendances to all emergency departments for any November on record, with nearly 89,700 attendances. People are urged to only call 999 for genuine emergencies and to think carefully about where to get the care they need. When urgent care is needed, the NHS 111 Wales is available online or by phone 24 hours a day, every day, to help advise and direct people to the right service.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that providing nearly 100,000 extra appointments demonstrates their commitment to getting people seen quicker. However, he also acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for everyone to think carefully about which service is right for them and to support their health services.
While the Welsh Government's funding has undoubtedly made a significant impact, the journey towards an efficient and accessible healthcare system is far from over. The public's desire for quicker appointments is being met, but the quality of care and accessibility for all patients remain a concern. The Health Secretary's commitment to accurate reporting and the ongoing review of Betsi Cadwaladr's processes are crucial steps in ensuring a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare system for all.
