Emergency departments in Wales are facing unprecedented wait times, with the average duration reaching a staggering 12 hours for patients in October 2025. This alarming statistic, released by Stats Wales on November 21, highlights a growing crisis in the healthcare system, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
The data reveals that 10,493 individuals experienced waits exceeding 12 hours before being admitted, discharged, or transferred in October. Although there were slight improvements compared to the previous month, overall waiting times have worsened when compared to the same period in 2024. Dr. Rob Perry, Vice President for Wales at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), expressed grave concern, stating, “It is dismaying to see yet another worst month on record.”
As temperatures begin to drop, the latest figures serve as a critical reminder that politicians must heed the warnings from emergency departments across the region. Dr. Perry emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis, noting that “thousands of people—loved ones seeking help—found themselves waiting on trolleys or chairs for hours on end, in conditions we know put them at risk of further harm.”
The statistics also reveal that waits of 12 hours or longer have more than doubled since October 2018, despite a 0.5% decrease in overall emergency department attendance. Furthermore, only 53.9% of patients were admitted, discharged, or transferred within the standard four-hour window, highlighting a severe breakdown in hospital flow. The situation is compounded by ongoing issues with delayed discharges, which accounted for 1,493 bed days lost in October 2025, a minor decrease from the previous year.
Dr. Perry continued, “This has been our reality all year, even in the warmer months when we are supposed to get some respite. The winter surge is about to start, and I fear we are not ready for what’s to come.” He acknowledged that while minor improvements are welcome, they are insufficient to address the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare system.
The crisis extends beyond emergency departments. Analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support reveals that performance against national cancer waiting time targets has deteriorated. In September, nearly 900 cancer patients in Wales experienced delays in starting treatment, with the proportion of those waiting too long ranging from 35% to 47% across local health boards. Notably, only 37% of individuals with urological cancer and 39% of women with gynecological cancer began treatment within the recommended 62-day timeframe from initial suspicion of cancer.
Hannah Buckingham, Senior External Affairs Adviser for Wales at Macmillan, remarked, “Timely cancer diagnosis and treatment are essential, yet thousands of people in Wales continue to face long waits and delays. This is unacceptable, but it doesn’t have to be this way.” She called for a new cancer strategy and stronger support for healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, acknowledged the need for continued efforts to support the NHS. He highlighted a recent investment of £120 million aimed at improving healthcare services, which has resulted in over 41,000 additional outpatient appointments delivered by the end of October. Miles noted a 43% reduction in ambulance patient handover hours and a 42% decrease in delays of more than an hour outside emergency departments compared to the previous year.
While some improvements have been observed, significant challenges remain. Miles reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis, particularly in light of the persistent issues faced by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which is currently in special measures. He emphasized the importance of holding health boards accountable for their performance, including monitoring waiting times and ensuring quality care.
As winter approaches, the urgency to resolve these issues intensifies. The healthcare community is demanding sustained support from the government to ensure that patients receive the timely care they need. Without decisive action, the current crisis is poised to escalate, affecting countless individuals across Wales.
