Plans to reduce NHS waiting lists in Wales will fall short unless supported by investment in social care, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has warned.

The Welsh Government is today expected to announce new measures to improve access to planned care, including pre-surgery health support and tackling missed hospital appointments.

Councils have welcomed the ambition but highlight that social care plays a central role in enhancing the care and support options available to patients which help to reduce waiting times. Community-based support services, such as exercise referral schemes and preventative care, also have an important role to play in helping people stay well, recover more quickly, or even avoid surgery altogether.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, WLGA spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said:

“We support the drive to cut waiting lists and improve outcomes for patients – but the NHS is only one part of the puzzle. Meaningful improvement can only be achieved if social care is treated as a vital and equal part of the solution. Councils and their partners play a crucial role in helping people stay well and independent, often preventing the need for hospital treatment in the first place.

“Investment in social care services would enable more people to leave hospital sooner, recover at home, be supported in the community and reduce pressure across the NHS. Supporting people to live independently is not just the right thing to do – it’s essential for the health service to recover.”