25 November 2025
The deaths of more than 900 people in Wales were associated with long waits in A&E last year, new analysis from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) reveals.
That’s the lives of 18 people lost every week.
This sobering mortality analysis forms part of RCEM’s manifesto ahead of the 2026 elections, launched today (25 November 2025), which urges all political parties to address the crisis in Emergency Care.
It calls on those vying to form the next Welsh government to commit to:
- End overcrowding in Emergency Departments
- Ensure there are adequate staffing levels in Wales to protect patient safety
- Invest in digital infrastructure and ensure greater data transparency
Our manifesto comes as the healthcare system is on track to experience yet another incredibly tough winter, with 10,493 people waiting 12 hours or more from their time of arrival at an Emergency Department in Wales just last month alone. This was the worst October on record for 12-hour waits in Wales.
In summer (1 June to 30 September 2025) 41,192 people endured this wait. That’s 2,239 more when compared to summer 2024 (38,953).
Meanwhile, further analysis for last year (2024) reveals 118,933 patients waited 12 hours or more to be admitted, discharged, or transferred from A&E.
That’s 9,376 more people who endured an extreme wait compared to 2023.
Of these patients 67,427 people were waiting to be admitted to a ward for further care.
Using a method called the Standard Mortality Ratio – which calculates there will be one additional death for every 72 patients that experience an 8–12-hour wait prior to their admission – RCEM estimates that there were 936 associated excess deaths related to stays of 12 hours or longer before being admitted.
Dr Rob Perry, RCEM Vice President for Wales, said: “One preventable death is unacceptable – 936 deaths is a national tragedy. It’s a harrowing reflection of the state of the Emergency Care system in Wales.
“Behind these numbers are countless loved ones who have had their world turned upside down by the death of someone dear to them: a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend or partner.
“They often would’ve endured the long waits on a trolley in a corridor in an Emergency Department, waiting for an elusive ward bed to become available so they can receive further vital care they need. These trolleys are often lined up, side by side and top and tail, meaning a total lack of privacy and dignity patients deserve.
“It’s possible to rebuild the patient flow we haven’t had for years and prevent delays patients currently face at every point of their care. We call on all political parties to do this, and our manifesto shows them how to address the crisis EDs are in. It’s a cry for help that must be answered by any political party that wishes to form the next Welsh government.
“A failure to act means more people will be left to grieve the loss of a loved one.”
A well-functioning ED is fundamental to a healthy NHS – and voters agree.
New Ipsos polling in Wales, commissioned by RCEM, found that 94% of people surveyed said they thought reducing A&E waiting times should be a priority for the government.
In the same survey, the vast majority (75%) of people said they were not confident their local A&E would provide a timely service, and that a third (33%) were worried they would be treated in a corridor or other clinically inappropriate area.
To read the manifesto in Welsh, click here.