The Welsh Government has pledged to speed up NHS treatment times across Wales as new figures reveal both progress and continued pressure on waiting lists.

Latest data released today shows there are 666,700 patient pathways waiting to start NHS treatment, a fall of 21,300 compared with February. The number of people waiting more than two years has also dropped sharply, down by 1,928 to just under 2,600 pathways. The average waiting time for treatment currently stands at just over 15 weeks.

The new administration has made reducing waiting times one of its central priorities, saying it intends to “pick up the pace” in order to improve access to care across the country.

Health and Care Minister Mabon ap Gwynfor said too many patients were still waiting too long for treatment and insisted urgent action was needed.

“Too many people are waiting too long for NHS treatment. That is the reality and it is an issue we are determined to fix,” he said.

“It is people’s lives we are talking about, and my job is to make sure the Welsh Government works closely with the NHS to ensure people who need treatment get it much quicker.

“It is vital we see improvements in the waiting list, waiting times and access to ambulance and emergency department services, and I want to recognise the dedication of NHS Wales staff who are working to drive the progress we all need to see.”

As part of his first official engagements since taking office, the Minister will visit Neath Port Talbot Hospital’s surgical unit today, where he will meet frontline staff and discuss current pressures facing services run by NHS Wales.

The Welsh Government has also confirmed a series of new measures aimed at accelerating improvement. Within its first 100 days in office, it will commission an independent review into NHS performance, focusing on how waiting lists are affecting population health outcomes.

Alongside this, a new expert task group will be established to design plans for up to 10 elective care hubs across Wales, with a full delivery plan expected by the end of 2026.

The Minister added that the government intends to be transparent about progress, saying improvements would be closely monitored and judged on outcomes.

“I came into this role knowing what people’s experiences have been when it comes to waiting for NHS treatment,” he said.

“Today’s figures are a starting point. We will be honest with the people of Wales about the progress we make, and we will rightly be judged on results. We intend to meet the scale of the challenge ahead.”

The Welsh Government says the combination of system review, expanded capacity and targeted investment will form the backbone of its plan to bring waiting times down over the coming years.