Approximately 970,000 people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in Wales and the impact on individuals, their families, on communities and on our health and social care services is huge. Despite this, arthritis and MSK conditions are often overlooked and related services under-resourced.

Cymru Versus Arthritis believes that arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions should be a national health policy priority and I agree, nobody should have to live in severe, persistent pain.

Sadly though, thousands of people across Wales are still waiting far too long for life-changing surgery such as a hip or knee replacement. 

Many on the orthopaedic waiting list have told Cymru Versus Arthritis how their lives have been placed on hold, with their mobility, independence and ability to work diminishing.   

Wales Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) waiting times figures released on 17th April 2025, which relate to the end of February 2025. show 101,840 cases waiting for T&O treatment (0% change (-353) than the previous month (102,193), 65% higher (+39,722) than the average (pre-pandemic) 2019 figure (62,118).  

47,891 cases (47%) on the T&O list were waiting longer than 36 weeks, (0% change (-122) than the previous month (48,013). 

The average (pre-pandemic) 2019 figure was 6,570 / 11%.  

30,491 cases (30%) on the T&O list were waiting longer than 53 weeks (1 year), (2% lower (-659) from the previous month (31,150). The average (pre-pandemic) 2019 figure was 2,743 / 4%.  

3,336 cases (4%) on the T&O list were waiting longer than 105 weeks (2 years), (24% lower (-816) than the previous month (4,152). The average (pre-pandemic) 2019 figure was 76 / 0.001%.  

9,775 cases completed a wait for T&O treatment (i.e. completed a T&O pathway because they were treated, no longer wanted to be seen or are deceased), 8% lower (-810) than the previous month (10,585).  

As Mary Cowern, Head of Nation, Cymru Versus Arthritis has stated, “the data shows a positive shift in reducing two-year waits for orthopaedic surgery. But let's be clear, it is fundamentally unacceptable for anyone to have to live with debilitating pain for years while waiting for essential, life-changing treatment.

“Daily, we hear harrowing stories from people left on the waiting list. Being forced to give up work, living in constant severe pain, and losing mobility and independence are common consequences of the long waits for orthopaedic surgery. With numerous waiting time targets missed, it is vital that the Welsh Government speeds up progress to clear not just the two-year waits, but the 30,491 orthopaedic one-year waits too. People with arthritis have paid the price of missed targets for far too long."

It is wrong that so many people in Wales are currently languishing on orthopaedic waiting lists. Patients are waiting months, even years, for procedures that could drastically improve their quality of life. In the meantime, they are burdened with chronic pain, reduced mobility, and growing mental health strain. 

We have seen years of unmet targets in many areas of our health service, a clear sign that it is not performing to the best of its ability. We need to address this issue as a matter of urgency to ensure that the people of Wales are able to get timely access to the best level of health care.

Anyone living with arthritis can receive advice and support from Cymru Versus Arthritis by visiting their website Get help | Helpline, online community, arthritis virtual assistant or by calling their helpline number 0800 5200 520.