six NHS waiting: Amy-Jane Davies is among the 713,048 individuals in Wales currently awaiting NHS treatment. She is on six different waiting lists, and the process of constantly seeking updates has significantly impacted her life.
six NHS waiting: what to know
Long Waits for Treatment
Amy-Jane has been waiting for gynaecological surgery for 21 months. She has endometriosis, a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other areas of the body. Her symptoms include abdominal cramping, severe bloating, migraines, fatigue, and bladder and bowel issues. She is one of 46,289 people on the gynaecology waiting list in Wales.
Her health board informed her that she needs to be referred to one of the two accredited endometriosis surgical centres in Wales for further surgery. However, she must first undergo a laparoscopy, which has also been delayed for 21 months. In addition to this, she has been referred to specialists for her bowel, bladder, and migraines, as well as for an ultrasound and MRI.
Impact on Daily Life
Amy-Jane’s condition has forced her to reduce her work hours and reconsider her plans for motherhood. She expressed that the waiting process is overwhelming and detrimental to her mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, waiting times for gynaecological procedures increased significantly, leading her to seek private treatment in 2021, which cost £4,000. This surgery removed some endometriosis but revealed further complications requiring additional specialist care.
She has contemplated going private again but finds the costs prohibitive. A quote for her next surgery, which requires a team of specialists, was estimated at no less than £15,000. As a single homeowner, she feels that such expenses are unrealistic and potentially lead to financial strain.
NHS Waiting Lists and Political Responses
The issue of NHS waiting times is a pressing concern, especially with the upcoming Senedd election in Wales. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has highlighted that gynaecology waiting lists in Wales are among the longest in the UK, second only to Northern Ireland. Recent data shows that while waiting numbers have decreased from a peak, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Political parties in Wales have proposed various solutions to address the waiting list crisis. The Green Party has called for increased investment in primary care, while the Welsh Liberal Democrats aim to boost the health workforce and expand diagnostic capacity. Reform Wales has criticized the current system and proposed reforms to improve efficiency. Plaid Cymru has outlined a plan to create surgical hubs to expedite treatment, and the Welsh Conservatives have promised to declare a health emergency to address the situation.
The Welsh government has not commented on the issue ahead of the election but has previously stated that waiting lists have decreased for eight consecutive months.