00:00A major shake-up of the NHS in Wales is on its way, with the Health Secretary announcing
00:07an ambitious new strategy aimed at cutting down the country's record waiting lists.
00:12A big part of the strategy is what's being called a new patient deal, where patients
00:16will be given better tracking tools throughout the NHS Wales app and clearer information
00:21about how long they're likely to wait.
00:24But it comes with a catch as patients will now be offered two dates for treatment and
00:28if they miss both of those without good reason, they'll be removed from the waiting list.
00:32That's in response to figures showing that around 700,000 outpatient appointments are
00:37missed or cancelled every year across Wales.
00:40The Health Secretary says that the number is far too high and is causing serious delays
00:45for the health service, adding that missed appointments delay care for everyone and waste
00:50valuable resources that could be helping other people.
00:54The new approach only means people who are healthy and ready for surgery will be added
00:59to the surgical waiting list, because the evidence shows those in better health recover
01:03faster and use fewer hospital resources.
01:06The NHS will also help people get healthier and in preparation for surgery.
01:11A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives say the party welcomes the plans but says
01:15more needs to be done to help massive waiting lists and get people the care they need.
01:20Plaid Cymru also backed elements of the plans but says that more preventative help needs
01:24to take place before putting accountability on patients.
01:29The government says it's a big step but a necessary one, hoping that with clearer information
01:34and a shared responsibility between patients and the NHS, treatment can be faster and fairer
01:39for everyone.
01:40James Beach Watkins, reporting for Local TV.
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