First Minister defends Betsi Cadwaladr over neurodiversity waits
The First Minister has defended waiting times for neurodevelopmental assessments in North Wales, pointing to additional funding provided to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The exchange came after Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS Mabon ap Gwynfor raised concerns about what he described as an “unacceptable” backlog for children waiting for autism and neurodiversity assessments.
The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said there had been a “surge” in demand across the UK and that Welsh Government was acting to reduce waiting times.
She told the Senedd: “Here in Wales we’re taking action to ensure that families get the help that they need faster. We’ve already ended all four-year waits for neurodevelopmental assessments for children, and every health board now has a clear plan in place to eliminate three-year waits by March 2026.
“In North Wales, we’ve given Betsi Cadwaladr an extra £2.7 million to deliver around 1,700 additional assessments this year, and they’re on track to do just that.”
Mr ap Gwynfor said that Freedom of Information data obtained by his office showed more than 7,000 children and young people in North Wales waiting for an assessment.
He told the Senedd: “Parents have come into my office in tears because they have 11-year-old children who are self-harming, and some trying to take their own lives, because they have not had the necessary diagnosis and support.
“With around 40 assessments being completed each month, it will take around 15 years to get through that waiting list. Do you think that that is acceptable?”
The First Minister replied, “No.”
“That’s why additional funding was provided to bring those waiting lists down. And may I remind you that you voted against that additional funding to bring those waiting lists down? It is a serious situation, and that’s why we have provided that additional funding.
“We are going to provide 1,700 additional assessments, and we have provided £2.7 million, which is no small sum, to help the situation in Betsi.”
The discussion came as Health Secretary Jeremy Miles announced a series of public accountability meetings with NHS organisations in Wales.
The sessions will focus on waiting times, finances, and service quality, and will be streamed online to increase transparency.
Mr Miles said: “I’ve organised these meetings as I want to improve accountability and transparency in the NHS. I want people to have confidence in the standards of healthcare and the performance of health organisations where they live.”
The first meeting will take place on Thursday 23 October with Cwm Taf University Health Board, with further sessions planned for all health boards and national NHS bodies before March 2026.
The Health Secretary also confirmed that more NHS performance data is being published than ever before, including quarterly reports on waiting times, ambulance performance, and complaints handling.
He said: “If we’re going to improve the NHS in Wales, we need to ensure organisations are open and honest, use data to improve their performance and make this publicly available, and listen to people who use their services and can learn from their mistakes.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
