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Wales Health Minister Says £120m Will Target NHS Waiting Times

Wales' new health minister said a £120 million fund will continue efforts to reduce NHS waiting times but will be spent differently from previous allocations. The minister stated the money will focus on building internal capacity rather than outsourcing.

The Bbc
1 source·May 21, 3:03 PM(8 days ago)·1m read
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Wales Health Minister Says £120m Will Target NHS Waiting Timesnews.sky.com
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Wales' new health minister said a £120 million fund will continue efforts to reduce NHS waiting times but will be spent differently from previous allocations. The minister stated the money will focus on building internal capacity rather than outsourcing.

He accused the previous administration of "throwing money at the problem" by relying on external staffing without developing permanent workforce solutions.

7 percent to just under 2,600 compared with February. These figures remain higher than in England, where two-year waits are measured in dozens. The challenges are most pronounced in Betsi Cadwaladr, the north Wales health board that has been in special measures.

The minister said the board will have two years to improve performance or face restructuring. "We know that Betsi Cadwaladr is a problem, I live there myself," he said. " The minister said he plans to make a statement to members of the Senedd within the next fortnight outlining positions for patients currently waiting.

Key Facts

£120 million fund
allocated to reduce NHS waiting times in Wales
42.7 percent reduction
in patients waiting two years or more since February
Betsi Cadwaladr
north Wales health board in special measures

Story Timeline

2 events
  1. Thursday

    Health minister addressed Senedd on NHS waiting times and funding plans.

    1 sourceThe Bbc
  2. Recent

    Number of two-year waits fell 42.7 percent to under 2,600 patients.

    1 sourceThe Bbc

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Patients in north Wales may see faster access to treatment if the health board meets improvement targets.

  2. 02

    Health board staff could face organizational changes if performance does not improve within two years.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count160 words
PublishedMay 21, 2026, 3:03 PM

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