WIREDGOV

A spokesperson for the Welsh NHS Confederation response to waiting times.

“We know that health services in all parts of the UK are under increasing pressure because of high levels of ill health and rising demand for services.

“There has been a vast improvement in waiting times over the last decade, despite a marked increase in the number of people needing hospital treatment.

“Those in NHS Wales are continuing to work extremely hard to address this demand and reduce waits for patients. It is vital that we recognise their efforts during some challenging times. 

“We know that the rising number of people on waiting lists is indicative of pressures across the whole of the NHS and social care. 

“However, we must remember that waiting times capture only one part of what the NHS does.

“What is needed is a system-wide change in the way that we deliver treatment in order to design care around patients’ needs and help people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.”