21 February 2019
The January 2019 NHS activity & performance figures released today are confirmation of the significant issues confronting NHS Wales.
The data shows the highest number of attendances to Welsh emergency departments for any January on record at 84,256. Only 72.2% of patients were within the four-hour target in major departments. This a decline when compared to January 2018.
The number of patients waiting 12 hours or more has gone up by 35.7% within a month. January 2019 had the second highest number of 12-hour waits on record.
Dr Jo Mower, Vice President of RCEM Wales said: “The College in Wales greatly appreciates the support and efforts of the British Red Cross this winter, and all the work they have done to try and ease pressures for A&E staff.
“However, while their assistance has been invaluable, patient safety concerns persist. The lack of staff, hospital beds and social care continues to put a strain on emergency departments, as evidenced by today’s data.
“The figures today demonstrate the harsh reality of what is a system under increasing demand. The emergency funding provided by the government this winter has been very much welcomed and now we need to focus on Welsh Government’s plans to integrate health and social care urgently.”
