Long NHS waiting lists have been described as unacceptable by a Member of the Senedd.
Nigel Williams MS, who represents Fflint Wrecsam and sits on the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee, raised the issue during a meeting with senior executives at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) on Friday.
He challenged leaders on treatment backlogs, workplace culture, decision-making delays, and outdated hospital IT systems, and stressed that his concerns were directed at senior management, not frontline staff.
Mr Williams said: "Let me be crystal clear: our frontline NHS staff—our doctors, nurses, porters, and healthcare assistants—are working tirelessly under immense pressure.
"There is no criticism whatsoever of them.
"They are doing an exceptional job in very difficult circumstances.
"My focus is holding senior management to account.
"Patients across Fflint Wrecsam and North Wales are waiting unacceptable lengths of time for treatment.
"I know this from personal experience, and I have met constituents waiting over three years for vital surgery.
"That simply cannot continue."
The meeting also covered issues such as car parking, hospital procedures, and the treatment of staff who raise concerns about bullying and management behaviour.
Mr Williams said: "We also tackled the vital issue of workplace culture and bullying.
"When staff speak up, they must be listened to, protected from retaliation, and see real organisational change.
"Having policies on paper is not enough; the Board must deliver a culture of genuine transparency, independent investigation, and measurable learning."
He also raised concerns about outdated technology.
He said: "Furthermore, our clinicians should not be bogged down by 1980s-style paperwork and clunky IT systems that pull them away from patient care.
"We need modern systems and streamlined decision-making, learning from high-performing trusts across the UK like Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London."
Reflecting on the meeting, Mr Williams said: "The discussions on Friday were constructive, and we received direct answers on several key points, including ongoing reviews into hospital car parking and patient flow.
"However, warm words must now translate into concrete delivery."
He emphasised his ongoing commitment to holding the board and government ministers to account.
He said: "Through my role on the Health and Social Care Committee in the Senedd, I will continue to press the Health Board and Welsh Government ministers for hard data, transparent reporting, and urgent solutions for our constituents."
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