The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Ministerial Advisory Group’s (MAG’s) report on improving the performance and productivity of NHS Wales in planned care, diagnostics, cancer and urgent and emergency care services.
Dr Hilary Williams, Royal College of Physicians vice president for Wales, said:
"We welcome the report for its clear focus on improving four key areas: planned care, diagnostics, cancer treatment, and urgent and emergency services. The MAG’s recommendations are time-bound, actionable, and assign clear responsibility - something we find refreshing. Our members, who deliver care across Wales’ NHS every day, will play a crucial role in turning these changes into reality. However, this ambitious, wide-ranging plan must be properly resourced, and staff need the time and support required to drive improvements swiftly.
"Last year, our patients in Wales faced record-long waiting lists, with some waiting over two years for treatment. By November 2024, the list had surged to over 800,000 (802,268), setting a new record for the tenth consecutive month. In contrast, similar waits have been virtually eliminated in England.
“While waiting lists have started to improve in Spring 2025, thanks to government initiatives and investment, there’s more to be done. The recommendations rightly highlight urgent issues in acute services, but we also need a stronger focus on delivering more integrated care, closing the gaps between different parts of the system where patients can too often find themselves lost, and reducing variability in services - much of which stems from workforce shortages. Long-term investment in workforce retention across Wales is essential, to ensure all our patients can access the high-quality, innovative care that our staff are committed to delivering. This is why we are calling for a long-term workforce plan for health and social care as part of our manifesto for Senedd 2026. Without a sustainable, supported workforce, none of this will be achievable."