More than ever wait over nine months for NHS treatment
Welsh Conservatives have criticised Labour inaction on NHS delays, as new figures show more people than ever are waiting over nine months for treatment.
28,654 patients had been waiting over the maximum 36 weeks at the end of August, according to latest statistics published today.
That’s up over a thousand on the previous month, when the figure had already reached a new record high.
In all, 444,667 people are on an NHS waiting list in Wales, up from approximately 200 thousand when Carwyn Jones became Labour First Minister in 2009.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
“Record-breaking budget cuts and record-breaking numbers of patients waiting more than 9 months for treatment – that's Welsh Labour's record on the NHS.
"Every month we see thousands waiting longer than they should for treatment and these figures are wholly unacceptable.
"Labour Ministers have starved our NHS of more than one billion pounds over the past five years, while spending in other parts of the UK has been protected. These waiting time statistics show that it’s patients and their loved ones who are paying the price.
“Instead of sitting on their hands and blaming Health Boards and their hardworking staff for these failings, we need an action plan and extra investment to turn this situation around.
"Labour Ministers set these targets and they should ensure that they are delivered."
