Written question WQ93876

The Planned Care Recovery Plan (April 2022) established a specific target to eliminate two-year waits in most specialties by March 2023. Seven specialties, including dermatology, were not initially in scope as they were recognised as exceptionally challenging even prior to the pandemic.

The NHS Executive, through the Planned Care Programme, has been supporting these specialities and progress is being made. Dermatology waits have reduced by 49% between April 2022 and June 2024 (from 2,731 to 1,387).

Our aim is that all two-year waits should be eliminated in dermatology, although there are challenges in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which are being addressed.

We have been very clear in directing health boards to prioritise resources towards meeting the cancer target of 62 days. The introduction of the teledermoscopy project, funded by Welsh Government transformation investment has increased the capacity to support early diagnosis. The project supports effective triage of referrals through enhanced images which allow clinicians to correctly identify the appropriate pathway for the patient’s condition.