Commenting on the latest NHS waiting times – published today, and covering March this year – which show more than 10,000 people had been waiting over nine months for treatment by the end of that month, and 22,897 had been waiting more than 8 weeks for ‘specified diagnostic services’, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM, said:
"Another month - another glaring example of Labour failure on our NHS. There appears to be no end to this waiting times fiasco.
"Behind every single statistic is a patient who has been let down by Welsh Labour ministers and forced to wait too long for treatment.
"No-one should face these delays – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – yet month after month thousands are made to do just that.
"Labour’s only answer is to reform targets and squirm away from scrutiny.
"It is their record-breaking budget cuts that have heaped untold pressure on frontline services and it is they who should provide hard-pressed patients and hardworking staff with the support they deserve."
The publication of latest NHS waiting time statistics comes on the same day Labour Assembly Members have voted down calls to allow Ann Clwyd to give evidence to the Assembly’s health committee.
The senior Labour MP has raised serious concerns over standards of care within the Welsh NHS.
Today’s vote represents the second time her Labour colleagues in the Assembly have shunned opposition calls for her to give evidence. One Labour member described it as 'a stunt'.
Mr Millar said:
"Labour’s attitude towards Ann Clwyd’s genuine concerns remains disgraceful. Blocking the potential for her to give evidence is nothing short of a scandal.
"If Labour Assembly Members really had the welfare of patients and staff at heart, they would support our calls in the interests of communities across Wales."