Concern over NHS waiting list levels
One in seven people in Wales are on the NHS waiting list and are waiting far longer for treatment than those in England, new figures reveal today.
A total of 23,238 patients in Wales are waiting more than 36 weeks to be seen according to figures for the end of February, with the Welsh Government's target being zero.
In England, just over 13,000 people have been waiting more than 26 weeks for the same month.
The figures show that in total, 415,737 people are waiting to start treatment in Wales, almost double the number when Carwyn Jones became First Minister in 2009.
The number of people waiting more than eight weeks for specified diagnostic services in Wales rose over the month from 20,097 to 20,945.
In England, the figures show that number was 12,283 waiting over six weeks.
Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for health, said: "For a clear example of NHS performance in Wales, look no further than the appalling delays that continue on Labour-run waiting lists.
"The facts are clear – more people are waiting longer for treatment in Labour's NHS than their neighbours over the border in England.
"There is no hiding from these clear figures, which show targets are still not being met in Wales and unacceptably long waits show no sign of real improvement.
"Ed Miliband has pointed here as an example of what Labour would do with the NHS. It's quite simple – that means far longer waits and vulnerable patients being hit hardest.
"Our determined staff must be applauded for their hard work in difficult times in Wales, as Labour continues to reign over the only part of the UK facing a decrease in NHS spending.
"Those record-breaking cuts are hitting staff, patients and their families – and it's about time Welsh Labour ministers got a grip on the problem."
