UK and Welsh Governments Partner on NHS

The UK and Welsh governments have announced a historic partnership aimed at reducing NHS waiting lists and enhancing healthcare across both regions. This collaboration will involve sharing best practices, with the UK Government looking to learn from the Welsh Labour Government's recent success in unlocking 400,000 dental appointments over the past two years, while committing to provide 700,000 new appointments in England. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan emphasized the importance of tackling waiting lists, citing that over 615,000 patients are currently on waiting lists in Wales, with 23,418 waiting more than two years for treatment. Both governments aim to develop mutual aid partnerships that will allow NHS Trusts to support each other as needed. Jo Stevens, the Welsh Secretary, asserted that this initiative marks a crucial step in rebuilding public services after years of perceived mismanagement by the previous Conservative administration. The partnership will also focus on aligning their efforts with Labour's manifesto commitments and legislative cooperation in both the UK Parliament and the Senedd.