Welsh Government sets September 2027 deadline for longest NHS waits

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has said waits of more than two years for planned NHS treatment in Wales will be eliminated by September 2027.

The commitment has prompted accusations that the Welsh Government is moving the goalposts. During the Senedd election campaign, Ap Iorwerth said the longest waits could be removed within a matter of months, while ministers subsequently indicated that they would be eliminated during the government’s four-year term.

Opposition politicians said the new September 2027 deadline was later than voters had initially been led to expect. The First Minister defended the timetable, saying the government was acting urgently to reduce the backlog and deliver lasting improvements.

Thousands of patient pathways in Wales continue to exceed two years, although the number has fallen considerably from its post-pandemic peak. The overall waiting list also remains above pre-pandemic levels.

The Welsh Government has announced an additional £145 million for NHS Wales during 2026-27, including £100 million to tackle waiting times and £25 million for new surgical and diagnostic facilities.

Its wider plans include developing up to 10 treatment hubs, increasing capacity in specialties with the longest delays and changing referral and follow-up arrangements to release more appointments.

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