‘Fall in NHS diagnostic and therapy waiting times is good news’ says Cynon AM

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells has welcomed the publication of figures showing that diagnostic waits over eight weeks have fallen by 64% in Wales since the start of 2014 and 32% since October last year. More than half of people are now waiting less than three weeks, the latest statistics show.

Therapy waits over the standard waiting time have also fallen by 44% since June 2012, with the number of people waiting over 14 weeks falling by 14% compared to October last year.

In the last month there has also been a reduction in delays for therapy services – more than half of people are now waiting less than five weeks, with the Cwm Taf University Health Board area, which includes Cynon Valley, showing particularly good progress.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“I welcome the official statistics from the NHS Wales Information Service showing the fall in diagnostic and therapy waiting times in Wales.

“It is also encouraging to see that the Cwm Taf University Health Board had the shortest average wait for accessing therapy services in July and August 2016.

There is always more to be done to reduce waiting times, however, these statistics show that the Welsh NHS is moving forwards and addressing its challenges head on.”