A&E waiting times in February were the worst since records began in 2009, according to new data published by StatsWales today.
The figures show that just 75.9% of A&E attendances were seen within the Welsh Government’s target period of four hours.
In some hospitals – notably Ysbyty Glan Clwyd – this was as low as 54.7%.
5,087 patients waited for more than 12 hours to be seen in A&E (down from 5,108 in January).
Despite the increase in waiting times, the number of patients attending A&E units in Wales fell by 6.1% on the previous month.
Commenting, Shadow Health Secretary – Angela Burns – said:
“It’s no secret that A&E services across the country are under pressure this winter, but the Health Secretary needs to get to grips with a mounting crisis on his watch.
“These are the worst waiting times on record, despite a significant fall in the number of patients presenting at A&E.
“It’s yet another sign of a health service under significant pressure, undermined by poor planning and underfunding by the Welsh Labour Government.
“There is no doubt that the impact of this winter will be felt for many months to come and we urgently need workable solutions so that patients can get the best possible care.
“This should begin with greater investment in primary and social care, which will help physicians and care workers to better manage patients’ non-life threatening conditions so that they do not needlessly become the responsibility of A&E services.”