NHS Waiting Lists Falling

The Welsh Government have said that statistics issued on Thursday (17th) show that 2-year waits have fallen to their lowest levels since June 2021 and are 26% lower than last month.

The statistics also show the overall size of the waiting list has fallen, the number of patient pathways waiting 36 weeks has decreased, and the average waiting time for treatment has dropped.

A significant improvement was achieved in March in reducing the total number of delayed hospital discharges, with a drop by 114 delays over the previous month. This was the lowest delay figure over the past year and the overall second lowest since reporting began 2 years ago.

This progress comes after significant investment alongside new delivery plans from the Welsh Labour Government.

The in-year funding injection last autumn of £50 million came after First Minister Eluned Morgan declared that bringing down waiting lists was a top priority for the Welsh Labour Government.

In addition to the money announced, the 2025-2026 Welsh Labour Government’s Budget allocated £600 million extra for the Welsh NHS after receiving the largest ever funding settlement since devolution from the UK Labour Government – an extra £1.6 billion for public services and the people’s priorities.

Sadly, opposition parties decided to play politics rather than back £26 billion for the people of Wales – Plaid Cymru teamed up with the Welsh Conservatives to vote against more money for doctors, teachers, public transport, businesses and the priorities of the people of Wales.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“Waiting lists in Wales have come down for the third month in a row. People told me they wanted their Welsh Labour Government to bring the longest waiting lists down. I’ve listened, I’ve refocused the Welsh Government’s priorities and we are delivering for the people of Wales.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said:

“For the third month in a row, we have seen yet another fall in waiting after new delivery plans from the Welsh Labour Government backed up by extra investment in health and social care.

“We still have work to do, but we are seeing progress. Reform UK is talking about making people pay for health insurance and Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth refused to commit to backing free prescriptions. Can we afford to risk this progress under another party? Can we afford to gamble with our most precious public service?

“With the Welsh Labour Government focused on delivery and a commitment to public sector funding from the UK Labour Government, we are making progress and protecting our NHS.”