Llais: New NHS Wales targets are welcome; most importantly change must be felt by people and communities quickly
Llais, the independent statutory body representing people in health and social care across Wales, has responded to the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement of new NHS targets and a “patient deal” to reduce waiting times and improve access to care.
The Welsh Government’s plan includes a commitment to reduce the waiting list by 200,000, eliminate 2 year waits, and restore a maximum 8 week wait for tests by March 2026. It also includes new guidance for referral and treatment and stronger expectations for both the NHS and the public.
Professor Medwin Hughes, Chair of Llais said:
“This announcement marks an important opportunity to focus our NHS around the people it exists to serve. Targets and technology can help drive improvement but only if they are grounded in the everyday experiences of people, their families and carers, and frontline staff.
People must be supported to be real partners in their own healthcare journey, empowered by the right advice, information and support they need to have a strong voice in how their NHS works for them and those they care for and about.”
Llais welcomes the ambition and the increased transparency through clearer data and real-time information on waiting lists via the NHS Wales App. But the organisation has called for urgent, visible progress shaped by the voices of people using and providing NHS services.
Llais is also concerned about the impact of digital exclusion, fairness around appointment systems and missed appointment policies, and the need for equitable access to pre-treatment support.
Alyson Thomas, Chief Executive of Llais said:
“Our role is to keep listening — making sure what we hear from people and communities across Wales leads to meaningful, visible change.
That means supporting the NHS to deliver the services people need wherever they live in Wales, and holding it accountable when services fall short.
We will focus on helping to make sure people are aware of their rights, that everyone understands people’s expectations from our NHS, and that people are supported to meet their responsibilities when using NHS services – so that this new relationship between people and the NHS reflects what matters most to people and communities across Wales.”