Written question WQ100050

The Welsh Government keeps all performance measures and targets under review, including referral-to-treatment (RTT) measures and their comparability with those used elsewhere in the UK.

Work undertaken by Welsh Government statisticians, alongside wider UK statistical partners, has highlighted that direct comparisons of elective care waiting times between the UK nations are complex because the systems collect and report different types of patient pathways. The Office for National Statistics and the Welsh Government Chief Statistician have both noted that the headline waiting list measures used by Wales and England are not directly comparable, although an adjusted Welsh measure can be produced that is broadly comparable with England by excluding non-consultant-led diagnostic and therapy pathways.

In Wales, RTT reporting has historically included some non-consultant-led diagnostic and therapy pathways that are not included within England's RTT measure. Officials have therefore reviewed the basis of RTT reporting in Wales with options being reviewed of changes in how this accurately reflects consultant-led referral-to-treatment pathways and improves comparability with other UK nations. This work has identified pathways currently reported within RTT that are also reported separately within diagnostic and therapy waiting times statistics. Any proposed changes would align reporting more closely with the original RTT definition and improve UK comparability, while continuing to monitor those patients through the relevant diagnostic and therapy measures. Officials are in the process of preparing this advice to Ministers once further work has been completed.

Alongside this, Government has made clear that improving waiting times remains a key priority. As part of the Government's first 100-day commitment, we are reviewing NHS Wales performance, with a particular focus on waiting times and access to planned care services. That review will consider a range of evidence, including statistical assessments, operational performance data and options for future measurement and reporting arrangements.

No decision has been taken to replace Wales' current RTT target with England's 18-week standard. Any future changes to targets or performance frameworks would need careful consideration of clinical priorities, operational impacts, statistical comparability and the needs of patients in Wales. The findings of the ongoing review of NHS Wales performance and waiting times will help inform any future decisions in this area.