A new report which summarises data and activity on the performance of the Welsh NHS for July 2026, published on 20 August shows there were more than 104,000 attendances to all emergency departments across Wales – an average of 3,357 attendances per day last month  – the highest on record.

In a response to recent “stark statistics” Cabinet Minister for Health and Care Mabon ap Gwynfor said they showed that “significant pressures” were still being faced by emergency services.

He also said he recognised that “too many” people in Wales were now waiting “far too long” to access emergency care.

Responding to the figures, Mr ap Gwynfor said the NHS performance figures “show the significant pressure facing emergency services across Wales in July”, adding: “There were over 104,000 attendances to all emergency departments, an average of 3,357 attendances per day – this is the highest on record – and I recognise that far too many people are still waiting too long for emergency care access.

“The statistics are stark, and I won’t pretend otherwise. Performance on overall waiting times is nowhere near where it should be.

“The people of Wales deserve better, and as a new Government we are working at pace to build an NHS in Wales where people are seen and treated much more quickly than today.

“Behind every number in the latest statistics is someone waiting and wanting answers. That is why tackling the waiting list backlog is my absolute number one priority.

“I recently announced an extra £145m to support our NHS. I will reveal a plan in the coming weeks for how we will invest this year to tackle the waiting list and waiting times which takes a fundamentally different approach to what came before.

“This is not more of the same. It is a decisive shift that will get people seen quicker, cut waiting times, bring waiting lists down and, most importantly, keep them down – this will make a lasting difference that people will feel and see.

“Our extraordinary NHS and social care staff show up every single day and give everything they have, often under considerable pressure and carrying the weight of a system that needs change. I see that, and it matters massively to me.

“Easing that pressure and giving them the support and the system they need is an important part of the work being done, and it will be reflected in the plan I will bring forward.

“We must see an NHS that works better for patients and the people delivering that care.”

An NHS performance report published on 18 June revealed  Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had the highest percentage of waits of longer than 12 hours in emergency departments in the country, 

Recent figures show North Wales is at the bottom of all seven Welsh health boards, in several areas judged against key national targets set out in a National Performance framework for 2025/26.