A report reveals that no health board in Wales has met cancer waiting time targets since 2020, raising concerns about patient care.

Cardiff: It’s pretty alarming to hear that no health board in Wales has hit its cancer waiting time targets for over four years. A recent report from the public sector watchdog really lays it out there. They’re saying there’s been a “continuing failure” to meet these important targets, and they’re calling for some serious changes in leadership to get things back on track.
The report highlights that while 75% of cancer patients should start treatment within 62 days, not a single health board has managed to meet that target since August 2020. That’s just wild, especially considering the extra funding that’s been pumped into the system. It’s a real wake-up call for everyone involved.
Opposition groups in the Senedd are saying it’s time for a change in government to fix these issues. A cancer charity has also chimed in, calling the findings “deeply concerning.” But the Welsh Government insists they’re committed to making improvements. It’s a tough situation, for sure.
Adrian Crompton, the auditor general, pointed out that too many folks are facing long waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment. He mentioned that there are big differences in how health bodies perform across Wales, and not enough focus on preventing the lifestyle factors that lead to cancer.
He stressed that the leadership and oversight of cancer services need to be sorted out quickly. There’s a lot of talk about the NHS Wales Cancer Improvement Plan, and it sounds like they need to clarify how that’s going to work alongside other initiatives to really make a difference.
After the pandemic, cancer service performance took a hit but seemed to stabilize in early 2022. Still, many patients are waiting way too long for treatment, especially for certain types of cancer. It’s frustrating to see that Wales has the second-highest cancer mortality rate in the UK, right after Scotland.
The report also noted that waiting lists for cancer diagnosis and treatment are still climbing. The Welsh Government wants to get those numbers back to pre-pandemic levels, but that’s going to take a lot more effort in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Hilary Webb from Blood Cancer UK said the report really shows how urgent it is to have stronger leadership to drive improvements. She emphasized that people with blood cancer deserve timely diagnosis and top-notch treatment, no matter where they live.
James Evans, the Welsh Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for health, didn’t hold back either. He pointed out that under the current government, barely half of cancer patients are getting treated on time. He believes that only a change in government can bring about the leadership needed to fix these issues.
In response, a Welsh Government spokesperson said they welcome the findings and are dedicated to improving cancer services. They’re focused on working with the NHS to ensure that 75% of diagnosed patients start treatment within 62 days. They’re also revising their national cancer leadership to provide clearer direction for improvements.