One in Five People Now on NHS Waiting List, with Thousands Waiting Over Two Years for Treatment
The state of the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales is facing unprecedented challenges as nearly one in five people are now on waiting lists for medical treatment, with close to 9,000 individuals waiting over two years for care. In a revealing report from ITV News Wales, reporter Rhys Williams outlines the growing crisis within the Welsh healthcare system, where patients are now being treated in hospital corridors due to overcrowding and a shortage of available beds.
The Situation in Wales: Stark Figures and Severe Consequences
The NHS is struggling to cope with a backlog of cases, with long waiting times affecting patients across the country. The problems are particularly severe in North Wales, where Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board remains under special measures. Chief Executive of NHS Wales, Christine Simpson, expressed concern over the service’s ability to provide quality care in the region, noting that some patients are left in dire situations.
One of the most concerning issues is the increasing number of patients being treated in hospital corridors, as beds are unavailable. Christine Simpson, a 65-year-old woman diagnosed with stomach cancer, was admitted to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Rhyl in July 2023. Simpson spent over 40 hours in a hospital corridor before finally being moved to the critical care ward, where she tragically passed away shortly after.
Simpson’s daughter, Michelle, told ITV News, “My mum spent all her life caring for people. It’s not good enough.” Despite the investigation and an apology from the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, the health board maintains there were “no failings in the treatment and care” provided to Mrs. Simpson.
The Policy Impact: Long Waiting Times and Frustration for Welsh Residents
In addition to long waiting times, policies surrounding treatment in England are adding to the frustration felt by many patients in Wales. Melanie Wallace, a 59-year-old woman suffering from osteoarthritis, is waiting for a hip replacement after being told she must wait at least two years. In the summer of 2025, Powys Teaching Health Board implemented a new policy where patients treated in England would face the same waiting times as those in Wales, despite the availability of theatre space across the border.
“I moved across the border in 2021 for my love of the outdoors, but now I’m in so much pain I can barely walk my dogs,” said Melanie. “We’re being treated as second-class citizens just because we’re across the border.”
NHS Wales Response: Policy Consistency and Long-Term Vision
The new NHS Wales Chief Executive, Jacqueline Totterdell, has defended the policy, stating that consistency in waiting times for all Welsh patients is essential. While admitting that NHS Wales will likely miss its target to clear the longest waits by spring, she remains hopeful about the future.
“Despite the challenges we face, my goal is to harness the passion in the Welsh workforce to build the best health service in the world,” Totterdell said. “We know the situation is tough, but with collective effort, we aim to improve and provide better care to all.”
However, Totterdell’s optimism faces the reality that transforming the health service into the “best in the world” will require overcoming significant obstacles, including high waiting times, overcrowded hospitals, and policy limitations that leave patients dissatisfied with their care.
What’s Next for NHS Wales?
The situation in Wales remains critical, with mounting concerns over long waiting times, patient care, and the management of available resources. With new leadership at the helm, NHS Wales is tasked with implementing reform and addressing the backlog of cases. The public, especially in areas like North Wales, is hoping that the ongoing challenges will soon be alleviated, though it remains to be seen how quickly these changes can be enacted.
As the NHS grapples with these issues, it’s clear that reform is urgently needed to ensure that people in Wales can access timely and effective care.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
