Can a New Life in Lithuania Transform Your Future?

In a bid to alleviate her severe hip pain, Sian Rees from Dy'n-y-groes, Conwy, opted for private treatment in Lithuania earlier this year, as the waiting list for NHS surgery had stretched to over two and a half years. Her experience highlights the pressing issue of long wait times in the UK healthcare system, while also raising questions about the accessibility and quality of care available to patients.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Sian Rees faced severe hip pain that affected her quality of life.
• She sought treatment in Lithuania due to long NHS waiting lists.
• The latest NHS waiting list figures show a significant increase in those waiting over two years.
• Welsh Government aims to reduce waiting lists with a £120 million investment.
• Controversies surround the transparency of NHS waiting time statistics.

The Background: Sian Rees's Journey

Sian Rees’s ordeal began when her hip pain worsened significantly in 2024. After consulting an orthopaedic specialist, she discovered that the waiting list for her surgery was not only extensive but that her condition was deemed not urgent enough for immediate intervention. This left her in considerable discomfort, unable to walk far or sit for long periods, significantly impacting her mental health.

“I couldn't enjoy myself; I couldn't walk far or sit for long,” Sian recounted. The turning point came during her visit to the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, where she struggled to navigate the grounds. This experience caused her to reflect on her health and wellbeing.

Exploring Options: Private Treatment in Lithuania

Upon meeting a friend who had recently undergone shoulder surgery in Lithuania, Sian was inspired to explore similar options. After conducting thorough research, she decided to travel to Lithuania for her hip replacement surgery. “I have no regrets. When the surgeon said I wasn’t bad enough for surgery, I was a bit upset,” she added, highlighting the frustration many patients feel in the NHS system.

In January, she underwent the procedure in Lithuania, which involved two days in the hospital followed by six days at a hotel, during which she received daily physiotherapy sessions. Sian noted that the quality of care she received was “of the highest standard,” and the cost of her private treatment was significantly lower than it would have been in the UK.

The Financial Aspect of Private Healthcare

Sian’s treatment in Lithuania cost her half of what a similar procedure would have been in Wales, including physiotherapy in the package. She expressed no qualms about paying for her surgery, stating, “The fact that I am on their list gives someone else a chance to go up the list.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend among patients who feel compelled to seek private care due to NHS delays.

The Current State of NHS Waiting Lists

The latest figures released by the NHS indicate that as of July, the total number of patients waiting for treatment in the UK stood at just under 793,100. Alarmingly, the number of patients waiting longer than two years has risen to just over 8,000, representing a 7.5% increase from the previous month. Moreover, the number of individuals waiting over a year for outpatient appointments also saw an uptick, nearing 73,200.

In response to these figures, the Welsh Government announced that an additional 15,000 outpatient appointments would be provided across the country in September, as part of a £120 million initiative aimed at reducing waiting times and tackling backlogs.

Government Initiatives and Expectations

According to the Welsh Government, over 20,000 additional cataract surgeries are expected to be performed by the end of March 2026 as part of this plan. Officials are optimistic that significant reductions in long wait times can be achieved by the end of the second quarter of the fiscal year. Notably, no one in the Swansea Bay and Powys health boards is currently waiting more than two years for treatment, nor more than a year for their first outpatient appointment.

Comparative Analysis of Health Boards

In other health boards, such as Hywel Dda, Aneurin Bevan, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, and Cardiff and Vale, less than 1% of patients are waiting longer than two years for treatment. This disparity highlights the uneven distribution of waiting times across the Welsh healthcare system, prompting calls for a more equitable approach to service delivery.

Ambulance Services and Emergency Response

In August 2025, ambulance wait times for transferring patients to emergency department staff were the second lowest since July 2021. For those who had suffered a cardiac arrest and required resuscitation, the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was reported at 27.4% upon arrival at the hospital. This figure reflects an improvement of six percentage points compared to July 2025, suggesting that higher ROSC rates can lead to improved survival chances post-cardiac arrest.

Cancer Care Performance Metrics

The latest statistics also indicate that performance against the 62-day cancer target has exceeded 60% for the sixth consecutive month. In July, 2,301 individuals began receiving cancer treatment, marking the highest recorded figure. Furthermore, over 15,780 people received the reassuring news that they did not have cancer, representing the second-highest number ever recorded.

Political Implications and Controversies

The performance of the healthcare service is increasingly becoming a contentious issue in the lead-up to the next Welsh Parliament elections. Opposition parties have questioned recent changes in how the Welsh Government reports waiting list statistics. Notably, for the first time, “interim” statistics were released, revealing the waiting list situation months earlier than the official figures.

In the spring, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles outlined several new targets to reduce waiting lists, asserting confidence in their achievement by the end of the next parliamentary term.

Accusations of Manipulation and Government Response

Critics, including representatives from Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives, have accused the government of manipulating statistics for electoral advantage. They argue that the government should publish official statistics sooner rather than waiting for interim figures, which could paint a misleading picture of healthcare performance.

In response, the Welsh Government has stated that there is significant public interest in the NHS waiting times. They argue that while there may be a delay of around seven weeks in publishing official figures, internal management data can provide a more timely indication of performance.

Future Plans for Reducing Waiting Lists

Last April, Health Secretary Jeremy Miles announced three new targets to reduce waiting lists by March 2026, including:

1. Reducing the total number on waiting lists to 200,000 (from approximately 800,000 at that time to 600,000).
2. Eliminating all cases where someone has waited two years or more for treatment.
3. Restoring a maximum wait of eight weeks for diagnostic tests.

To facilitate these targets, the government earmarked £120 million for health boards. The Health Secretary expressed confidence that these goals would be met by the end of the parliamentary term.

Previously, there would have been no way to confirm if these targets had been achieved until seven weeks later, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.

Conclusion: A Call for Change in Healthcare

Sian Rees's story underscores the urgent need for reform within the UK healthcare system. As long waiting times continue to affect the lives of patients, the balance between public and private healthcare options must be carefully considered. While government initiatives aim to address these issues, the transparency of data reporting and the effectiveness of proposed solutions remain critical to restoring public confidence in the NHS.

As we look to the future, will the Welsh Government succeed in reducing waiting times and improving patient care, or will the challenges continue to mount? #NHS #Healthcare #PatientCare

FAQs

What are the current NHS waiting times in Wales?

As of July, approximately 793,100 patients were waiting for treatment in the NHS, with over 8,000 waiting longer than two years.

Why did Sian Rees go to Lithuania for treatment?

Sian Rees sought treatment in Lithuania due to prolonged waiting times for hip replacement surgery in the NHS, which exceeded two years.

What initiatives is the Welsh Government implementing to reduce waiting lists?

The Welsh Government has allocated £120 million to reduce waiting lists, aiming to decrease the total number on waiting lists to 200,000 by March 2026 and eliminate cases over two years.

How has the performance of cancer treatment in Wales improved?

Performance against the 62-day cancer treatment target has exceeded 60% for six consecutive months, with record numbers of patients starting treatment and receiving negative cancer diagnoses.

What criticisms have been made regarding NHS waiting time statistics?

Opposition parties have accused the Welsh Government of manipulating statistics for electoral gain, questioning the transparency of how waiting times are reported.