Figures show that out of 274,515 people on the waiting list, 10,154 had to wait six months or more, before they received the treatment they needed. Statistics show that it is a small improvement since May 2010, but a worse position than the end of last year. The government have stated that their aim has been to treat up to 95% of their patients within a period of 26 weeks.

However, a total of 96.3% have been waiting less than six months, and 99.8% have been waiting less that 36 weeks. Five years ago over 10,000 patients had to wait more than a year for their first hospital appointment, and even longer for the treatment. Even though a 100% level was never achieved, the assembly government did manage to exceed their tolerance target level of 95%.

Alistair Cunnington, from Torfaen, who is waiting for surgery on his knee, had received a scan last autumn, but still has no set date for an operation. He described the process as painful. He also said: "I spend hours without sleep at night, I try to walk, and I hobble. I feel at least 30 years older than I should feel."

In April this year, he received a letter stating that he must contact the hospital to ensure he did not lose an appointment. But no response was made.

Posted by wuggling on 12/08/2010 at 13:23

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