RCS comment on waiting times in Wales

The BBC has today published a story warning that NHS patients in Wales wait longer for treatment and diagnosis than patients in England 'for most of the main categories'.

Commenting on this, Mr Tim Havard, RCS Director of Professional Affairs for Wales and a consultant general surgeon, said:

“Many people living in Wales will be concerned at the findings that waiting times for common operations such as hip, hernia and cataracts are significantly longer on the NHS in Wales than in England. While the two health systems differ, it is unacceptable that someone will have to wait on average over 6 months for a hip operation when they may be in pain and struggling to walk.

“Waiting times are a visible sign of the NHS’s ability to deal with rising demand and financial constraints.  Although the Welsh health service is now treating more patients than ever before, much more needs to be done to tackle deteriorating waiting times. 

“Many of the causes are complex and will not be solved overnight, but we know from the focus given to reducing waiting times for heart surgery in Wales that the NHS can improve access when it is made a priority.

“Policies aimed at tackling waiting lists should be a priority for all political party manifestos ahead of the 2016 Welsh Assembly elections.”

Note to editors

For more information, please contact the RCS Press Office:
Telephone: 020 7869 6047/6052
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