Janet Finch-Saunders MS has raised concerns following the release of the latest NHS Wales performance figures which includes rising waiting lists and emergency department performance falling to its worse level on record.
The number of patient pathways waiting to start treatment has risen by nearly 9,700 to 689,721. Adding to these concerns, it was released that more than 97,500 patients are now waiting over a year for treatment, while the number waiting more than two years has climbed to over 4,200.
Only 63% of patients attending Welsh emergency departments were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours in June, marking the worst performance since records began. However, in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, these figures are worse than the Welsh average. Such delays place additional strain on patients, their families, and frontline NHS staff already working under immense pressure.
Performance in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, is currently worse than the overall Wales figures for diagnostic tests, similar for therapies, and worse for cancer treatment waiting times. Performance is worse than the Wales average for RTT waiting lists and first outpatient appointment waits.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Senedd for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, commented:
"Every week, I am contacted by concerned residents about the delays they are facing in receiving treatment, in some cases for life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Alongside this, the frequent reports of long A&E waits and corridor care continuing to take place are causing serious concern and placing enormous strain not only on patients and their families, but also on our hardworking doctors and nurses.
"Urgent action must be taken to end corridor care once and for all, and we must declare a health emergency. It is only by recognising the scale of this crisis that we can fully address its causes and deliver real change for our health service."
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
