Latest NHS Wales performance figures show progress on reducing waiting times

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 

“After one of the busiest winters on record, latest figures show we are making important progress on reducing waiting times.

“The number of people waiting over eight weeks for diagnostics is at its lowest level in 9 years, 69% lower than this time last year. For therapy services, the number of people waiting over 14 weeks is at its lowest level in 7 years and 90% lower than this time last year.

“March also saw a 6.8% improvement in all cancers treated compared to February. The number of treatments for cancer in the last 12 months was 8.3% more than five years ago and the number treated in target time has increased by 7.3%. 

“The number of patients seen in emergency departments within four hours in April showed a 4.4 percent improvement on the March figure, up to 80%. Along with improvements in ambulance response times this shows pressures are beginning to ease after a very difficult winter for the NHS.

“We welcome the 30% reduction in the number of patients waiting over 12 hours for admission from emergency departments since March. 

“We expect more further significant progress on performance and are working with health boards to ensure they deliver improvements and will hold them to account if they do not.”