Why are patients in Wales facing long delays for knee replacement surgeries?

Patients in Wales are facing long delays for knee replacement surgeries due to budget cuts by the local health board, which says it must "live within its means" and cannot continue to spend money it does not have to offer faster access to some parts of the county.

How has the delay in knee replacement surgeries affected patients like Stephen Evans and John Silk?

The delay in knee replacement surgeries has caused significant distress and pain for patients like Stephen Evans and John Silk. Stephen Evans was previously told his first operation would be within a few weeks, but now faces a wait of at least another year. John Silk, a 92-year-old regular golfer, was due to have a knee operation in June but was told he would have to wait another year due to budget cuts.

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Patients Forced to Wait Over a Year for Knee Replacements Amid Budget Cuts

Q: What is the Welsh health board's justification for the delays in knee replacement surgeries?

The health board's chief executive, Ms. Thomas, stated that the changes to planned care services would be "frustrating and disappointing" for patients, but the board must "live within its means" and cannot continue to spend money it does not have to offer faster access to some parts of the county. Instead, the board aims to take a "fairer approach that protects essential services for everyone."

3 Aug

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Summary

Patients scheduled for knee replacements in Wales now face over a year-long delays
Health board cites budget constraints as reason for delaying essential surgeries
Patients express frustration and pain due to the postponed procedures

Patients Forced to Wait Over a Year for Knee Replacements Amid Budget Cuts

As of August 4th, 2025, patients in Wales who were previously scheduled for knee replacement surgeries are now facing over a year-long delays due to budget cuts by the local health board. Stephen Evans, a 66-year-old local government officer from Builth Wells, was told in May that his first knee replacement operation would happen "within the next few weeks" in Hereford. However, when he followed up with the hospital, he was informed that his wait would be at least another year, with no prior communication from the health board or the Welsh NHS.

Similarly, 92-year-old John Silk from Talgarth, who was a regular golfer until his osteoarthritis worsened, was due to have a knee operation in Hereford in June. After preparing for the surgery and visiting the hospital twice, he was told by an "apologetic" secretary that he would have to wait another year due to budget cuts.

The health board's chief executive, Ms. Thomas, acknowledged that the changes to planned care services would be "frustrating and disappointing" for patients and their families. However, she stated that the board must "live within its means" and cannot continue to spend money it does not have to offer faster access to some parts of the county. Instead, the board aims to take a "fairer approach that protects essential services for everyone."

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