Across Wales, NHS treatment waiting lists stand at 740,954 pathways. This means nearly 1 in 4 people are currently on a waiting list for treatment. The number of people waiting over two years for treatment in Wales is 5,252, compared to 223 in England.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, was shocked at the significant increase in pathways waiting for cardiology diagnostic appointments in December 2025 compared to the previous year.
Commenting on this, Janet said:
“Following the release of the latest NHS Wales statistics yesterday, it showed that waits in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area for cardiology diagnostic appointments had increased significantly over the last year.
“In December 2025, 1,298 pathways were waiting more than 36 weeks for a diagnostic or AHP test, intervention, or results, compared to 555 pathways in December 2024. This pattern can also be seen at 52 weeks, with 786 pathways waiting in 2025 compared to 274 in 2024.
“On a regular basis, I am seeing constituents who have been waiting, in some cases, well over 100 weeks for an appointment in dermatology; delays in referrals have even resulted in a burst gallbladder, and the list goes on. I have raised these concerns with the First Minister on many occasions.
“Urgent action needs to be taken to reduce these waiting times, especially in potentially life-threatening areas such as cardiology and cancer treatment pathways, as these delays are adding to the stress and concern that many residents and their families are experiencing.
“This is not acceptable, which is why a health emergency needs to be urgently declared.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
