NHS performance figures underline need for long-term, cross-government action

Responding to NHS Wales activity and performance figures for July and August, Welsh NHS Confederation director, Darren Hughes, said:

“While performance remains stronger in many areas than at the same point last year, July’s figures for planned care show the relentless pressure and record demand across much of urgent and emergency care, increasing the risk of planned treatment being postponed.

“However, continued improvement on ambulance handover times, now at their lowest since May 2021, reflects the sustained efforts of NHS leaders and staff to improve patient’s experience and the ambulance service’s ability to reach those most in need of emergency care.

“The Cabinet Minister has outlined how he expects health boards to reduce waiting lists, and NHS leaders are moving quickly to plan how they will deliver against these areas.

“But waiting lists cannot be tackled in isolation from the wider pressures across health and social care. This summer showed again that the system remains under sustained and growing strain, with no quick fix.

“Sustainably reducing waiting times requires a long-term, whole-system approach: better-integrated services, a stronger focus on prevention and more care closer to home. This means strengthening primary, community and social care, improving population health, reducing inequalities and finding a long-term solution to the problem that is the NHS’s ageing estates.

“We welcome the transparency provided by the new interactive dashboard. However, we need a similar approach for data that affects NHS performance, such as demand, demographic information and social care activity, to enable a whole-system view and better understanding.

“We look forward to seeing how the Programme for Government provides the long-term planning and financial certainty needed to improve patient outcomes and secure sustainable health and care services.”