Wales’ NHS Crisis: Eluned Morgan’s Waiting Time Promises Unraveled
Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, faces backlash for allegedly failing to meet her promises regarding NHS waiting times. In December, she committed to reducing the number of individuals awaiting planned treatments for over two years from 24,000 to around 8,000 by spring. However, the latest figures show 8,389 people were still on this lengthy waiting list as of March, marking a slight improvement from February’s 15,500, but still far below the expectations set by Morgan.
Despite a £50 million investment that reportedly provided more than 5,000 treatments, the waiting list remains critical, especially in the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board of north Wales, which accounts for the majority of long waits. In contrast, NHS England has managed to minimize its two-year wait lists to a mere 147 patients, raising concerns about the efficiency of the Welsh healthcare system.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles acknowledged progress but admitted that the government has yet to achieve its targets. He did praise certain health boards, including Swansea Bay and Powys, for having no patients waiting over two years, emphasizing a new ambition to decrease the waiting list by 200,000 this year and ensure an eight-week maximum wait for diagnostics by March 2026.
Critics like Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor and the Welsh Conservatives have expressed disappointment, arguing that the government is continually missing vital targets while over 10,000 patients face excessive emergency department waits. The Welsh Liberal Democrats further criticized the situation, pointing out that two-year waiting lists are unacceptable, especially when compared to improvements in England.
Patients continue to suffer due to persistent waits. Sarah Thyer, a patient who endured severe pain for months, resorted to paying £8,000 for her hip surgery in Lithuania after being told she would have to wait two years. Her story underscores the desperation some feel as they seek immediate care outside the NHS. She reflects on her choice, recognizing others may not have the same financial flexibility.
With the next Senedd elections less than a year away, the pressure mounts on Morgan’s administration, which is striving to demonstrate improvements in NHS performance amid public scrutiny. Jon Barry, director in Wales of the Royal College of Surgeons, emphasized the urgency for efficiency, advocating for sustainable solutions instead of reactive measures. He criticized the late application of funds meant to tackle these issues
As an election approaches, the critical nature of NHS performance remains a significant focal point for voters, with lingering questions about whether Morgan’s administration can deliver on its commitments regarding patient care and service efficiency.