PAUL Davies MS has called on the Welsh Government to set out a clear plan to tackle worsening NHS waiting times, as new figures reveal that more than 558,000 people in Wales are waiting for treatment.

The Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro has described the latest NHS performance figures as deeply concerning.

Cancer performance remains well below the Welsh Government's 75% target, with just 59.9% of patients starting treatment within 62 days in July.

Paul Davies MS said:

"Behind every one of these statistics is a person, someone living in pain, worrying about a diagnosis or putting their life on hold while they wait for treatment. More than 5,000 patient pathways have now been waiting over two years. That's simply unacceptable.

"We're also seeing cancer waiting times remain well below target. When someone is facing a possible cancer diagnosis, every day of uncertainty matters. People across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion regularly contact my office about difficulties accessing NHS services, and I know just how much these delays can affect patients and their families.

"The Welsh Government must explain what it is doing to bring these waiting lists down, when patients can realistically expect improvements and how it intends to ensure that people in rural communities are not left behind. Patients don't just need promises. They need to see real improvements in access to treatment."

Paul Davies MS has also called on the Welsh Government to introduce a national prostate cancer screening programme, tabling an amendment during a Senedd debate earlier this week on the future of cancer services in Wales.

Mr Davies said: “As someone living with prostate cancer, I know first-hand the impact that a diagnosis can have, not just on the individual but on their family too.

“Early detection can make an enormous difference. When prostate cancer is caught early, survival rates are close to 100%, yet too many men are still being diagnosed at a later stage.

“That's why I've tabled an amendment calling for a national prostate cancer screening programme in Wales. I want the Welsh Government to seriously explore how we can make earlier detection more accessible and ultimately save lives.”

"Early detection can save lives," said Paul Davies, pictured supporting the #WearItPink campaign in October.
"Early detection can save lives," said Paul Davies, pictured supporting the #WearItPink campaign in October. (Matthew Horwood)

Mr Davies also called for prostate cancer to be explicitly included in the Welsh Government's new National Cancer Strategy, warning that the consultation must lead to meaningful improvements rather than becoming another tick-box exercise.

He highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients across Wales can benefit from advances in diagnostic technology and innovative treatments, regardless of where they live, adding:

“The new National Cancer Strategy is an important opportunity to get this right. We need to listen to patients, invest in the latest treatments and make sure that men in every part of Wales have access to the best possible care.

“Above all, I want to see a much stronger focus on early diagnosis. We owe it to the thousands of men living with prostate cancer, and those who will be diagnosed in the future, to do everything we can to improve their chances.”