This report also sets out the key actions NHS Wales needs to take to tackle the challenges in orthopaedic services.

Prior to the pandemic, the number of people on the orthopaedic waiting list was one of the biggest challenges facing NHS Wales and these already long waits have been made significantly worse by the impact of COVID-19.

What we found

Our report found that urgent and sustainable action is needed to tackle the long waiting times for orthopaedic services. There’s a clear commitment to improve waiting times, however, it could take three years or more to return the orthopaedic waiting list to pre-pandemic levels.

In our report, we have outlined several recommendations for Welsh Government and Health boards to tackle the challenges in orthopaedic services.

We have also published local reports setting out the comparative position of orthopaedic services at each Health Board in Wales