Responding to the Welsh Government's announcement to invest £28m to help cut long hospital waiting times, Dr Iona Collins, chair of the BMA’s Welsh Council said:
“Doctors bear witness to the plight of patients enduring long waits for treatment. Any investment to reduce waiting times is welcome.
“Whilst it is a significant investment, £28 million is a fraction of the £183 million health board deficit, which NHS Wales health boards reported for 2023-2024 and so it will be interesting to see how this fits into wider NHS spending in Wales.
“At face value, providing weekend and evening appointments sounds like a workable solution, but we must see more detail about how this will be resourced in terms of bed availability and staffing; we already have serious concerns about our depleted workforce and lack of beds.
“While the BMA anticipates fair remuneration for the doctors who work overtime to provide this additional work, we must also acknowledge that NHS staff are already over-stretched. NHS doctor burnout is at its highest ever rate.
“We know that treating someone usually requires follow-up treatment or review, too, with this additional work being absorbed into the normal working day, rather than as targeted initiative work. We are keen to see details about the plans to streamline follow-up appointments and improve new referral capacity, as well as regional working.
“In Wales approximately 90% of patient interaction with the NHS happens in primary care and yet just 6% of NHS funding is directed to general practice. So, whilst we welcome this commitment to tackle the long waits that cause pain and suffering for patients, we must not forget the crucial role played by GPs.
“Chronic and sustained underfunding has directly resulted in the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each. Unsurprisingly, this is having a devastating impact on general practice, leading GPs to burn out, reduce their hours or leave.
“NHS Wales will not perform effectively until general practice has sufficient funding to pay for the wide-ranging portfolio of services which GPs provide.
“So, while we welcome this commitment to help those who wait the longest, we need to manage this in a meaningful way for patients and for the staff who deliver the initial and follow up treatment. ”
Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.