NHS Wales Waiting List Decreases but Remains Above 800,000

Recent figures show a slight decrease in NHS waiting lists in Wales, with the number of patient pathways down to 800,395 in December, a decline from November's record high of 802,268. However, the number of patients waiting over 36 weeks has reached a new record of nearly 284,600, highlighting ongoing concerns about lengthy delays. The Welsh Government's target to eliminate waits exceeding two years has not been met, and only about 23,600 patients are still in this category. Health Minister Jeremy Miles acknowledged some progress but emphasized the need for continued efforts to reduce waiting times further. Opposition figures, including the Welsh Conservatives, criticized the government for insufficient progress, arguing that the small decrease in waiting lists is inadequate given the overall scale of the crisis. Experts warn that prolonged waiting times and poor emergency response rates pose significant risks to patient safety, particularly for critical conditions.