For someone waiting for a hip replacement, the NHS waiting list is not an abstract policy problem. It is the difference between walking to the shops or staying indoors, sleeping through the night or waking in pain, returning to work or putting life on hold.

Across Wales, there are signs that some long waits are finally beginning to move in the right direction. More people are getting through the system for planned operations, tests and appointments. But that is only part of the story. The parts of the NHS people rely on when they are frightened, seriously ill, or waiting for cancer treatment remain under severe pressure.

The recent election in Wales makes this an important moment to take stock of the NHS: what is improving, what is still struggling and what this means for patients. The latest official figures cover March and April 2026, when the previous government’s targets still applied.

The new Plaid Cymru Welsh government has said it will continue reporting against these targets unless they are replaced or revised. Mabon ap Gwynfor, the recently appointed minister for health and care, inherits a service that is both recovering and still under real strain.

The clearest good news is in planned care. In March, just under 666,700 appointments, tests or treatments were waiting to be carried out. That was down by around 21,300 from February and marked the tenth month in a row that the number had fallen. These figures do not represent individual patients. One person may be waiting for more than one appointment, test or treatment. Management information suggests that around 529,100 people were on treatment waiting lists.

The longest waits are also falling. Just under 2,600 treatments had been waiting more than two years, 96.3% lower than the peak in March 2022. The proportion waiting less than 26 weeks rose to 65.9%, the best figure since May 2020. Those waiting more than 36 weeks fell to just over 166,800, the lowest level since August 2020. The median wait was 15.5 weeks, the shortest since April 2020.

These improvements should be recognised as important for wider public health. For patients, planned-care recovery can mean less time living with pain, less uncertainty, fewer cancelled plans, and a better chance of staying in work or caring for family.

Why emergency care still feels broken

Emergency care is where many people judge whether the system is really coping. It is the part of the NHS people encounter at moments of fear: chest pain, falls, breathing difficulties, severe infections or the sudden deterioration of an elderly relative.

In April, Wales recorded just under 95,100 emergency department attendances, an average of 3,168 a day. Only 66% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours, against a target of 95%. More than 10,000 patients waited 12 hours or more.

The causes are not simply that too many people are turning up at accident and emergency departments (A&E). Emergency departments depend on the wider hospital and on social care outside hospital. If wards are full, patients cannot move out of A&E. If ambulances cannot hand patients over, they cannot get back on the road. If people who are medically well enough to leave hospital cannot be discharged safely, beds remain occupied.

In April, there were just under 1,300 delayed discharges on the day the data was collected. Together, they accounted for almost 57,500 delayed days for adults who were ready to leave hospital but could not move on.

This explains why the public can hear that waiting lists are improving and still feel that the NHS is stuck. A hip operation may finally be scheduled, while an elderly parent waits all day in an emergency department because there is no bed or care package available.

Cancer care shows the stakes most clearly. The Welsh target is for at least 75% of patients to start their first definitive treatment within 62 days of an urgent suspected cancer referral. In March, performance improved, but only to 60.2%. Delays matter because cancer is exceptionally time-sensitive. Later diagnosis and treatment can mean more advanced disease, more complex treatment and poorer outcomes.

Mental health services show another form of pressure. In March 2026, local support services received 7,568 referrals. Across all ages, 84.9% of assessments were completed within 28 days and 92.7% of treatment began within 28 days of assessment. Secondary mental health services were supporting 17,498 patients at the end of March.

These figures show that headline waiting-list improvements, while important, do not tell the whole story. Demand is rising across different parts of the system, and the pressure is not limited to planned operations.

The workforce

The NHS in Wales has more staff than it used to. At the end of 2025, there were 100,224 full-time equivalent staff directly employed by NHS Wales, up 1.6% in a year and 25.8% since 2018. But more staff does not automatically mean enough capacity.

The same release recorded 5,652 vacancies and an average sickness absence rate of 6.4% across 2025. Anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses accounted for 34.9% of sickness absence.

This points to a workforce under sustained pressure. Recruitment matters, but so do retention, morale and working conditions. Recovery will be difficult if the people delivering care are themselves exhausted.

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Why a new Plaid Cymru government in Cardiff may pose a fresh challenge for Westminster

Then there is the financial reality. Audit Wales reported that all seven Welsh health boards again breached their statutory duty to break even over the three years to 2024 and 2025. Money alone will not solve every problem. But improving access, supporting staff and redesigning services is difficult when every health board is financially stretched.

The Welsh NHS is moving, but unevenly. For people, the test will not be whether one graph improves. It will be whether the whole journey through care begins to feel safer, faster and more humane.

I was 13 years old at the time.

I remember the shock as the news came through.

Even then, I knew something was deeply wrong.

A woman had been killed while carrying out her duties as an MP.

It felt impossible to understand.

Look, I never met Jo.

But I, and so many others, feel her legacy every day – and especially now, ten years on from her death.

Ten years later, I still find myself thinking about what she stood for.

That’s one of the reasons it meant so much to take part in the Jo Cox Women in Leadership programme.

The programme brings together women who want to make a difference in their communities, helping them build confidence and learn from one another.

One thing I took away from it was the importance of women backing women.

Sometimes that’s sharing advice, sometimes it’s opening a door, and sometimes it’s simply reminding someone that they’re capable of more than they think.

That spirit of supporting one another felt very true to Jo’s legacy.

I think about that a lot these days.

If we’re honest, it can feel like we’re living in angry times.

Cllr Anna Baxter (Image: Supplied)

You switch on the news, open your phone, and it can seem as though everyone is being pushed into opposing sides.

Of course, people should challenge politicians and hold those in power to account.

That’s healthy. That’s democracy. But there is a line.

Abuse isn’t debate. Intimidation isn’t accountability. Violence is never the answer.

What keeps me hopeful is that, away from the headlines, most people aren’t living like that.

Certainly not here in Yorkshire.

We’re known for being honest, straight-talking and sometimes a bit stubborn.

We don’t always agree with each other, and that’s fine.

But when somebody needs help, people tend to muck in.

You see it in community centres, village halls, sports clubs, food banks and community groups.

You see it in neighbours checking in on one another and volunteers giving up their time because they care.

That’s the Yorkshire I know.

Ten years after Jo Cox’s murder, I don’t think we have any grand answers to the problems facing the world.

I just think we’d all be better off if we spent a little less time assuming the worst of each other.

Disagree by all means.

Argue your corner.

Stand up for what you believe in.

But remember there’s another human being on the other side of that conversation.

Ten years ago, even as a 13-year-old, I knew what happened wasn’t normal.

Ten years on, I still feel that way.

Today is first and foremost a day to remember Jo, and to think of the family, friends and colleagues who lost someone they loved.

And when I look around Yorkshire, at the people who quietly support one another day in, day out, I still believe her message matters.

At a time when it can feel easier to retreat into our own corners, we need to keep finding ways to support one another, listen to one another and pull together as communities.

As Jo Cox said: “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”

Those who follow the ITV soap have been watching the pair closely

Coronation Street fans have predicted ‘something terrible’ is ahead after thinking they spotted a bit of ‘foreshadowing’ in scenes between Betsy Swain and Dylan Wilson.

Those who follow the ITV soap have been watching the pair closely after it was previously revealed by actors Sydney Martin and Liam McCheyne that they were set to be part of an upcoming ‘coming of age’ storyline.

Sydney has told Digital Spy that viewers can expect a mixture of emotions to unfold between the young couple. “Dylan and Betsy have been through a lot together,” she said. “There’s beautiful moments to come. They’re polar opposites; she’s this ticking time bomb that could go off at any time, and he’s quite grounded and sweet.

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“That can create some quite funny scenes, because there’s that natural comedic element of them being so different, but also some beautiful ones. I’m also excited for Liam to get his chance to shine.” She later added: “I’ve been working hard, so I’m really excited for people to see it. It’s going to be a busy summer.”

During Monday’s (June 15) edition of Corrie, Betsy, Dylan and Brody Michaelis were seen heading to the Rovers Return. Sean Tully refused to serve them, aware that Brody is underage.

Not to be deterred, instead, the teens headed to the precinct, having picked up some cans and headed for the precinct. But when three rough lads approached and demanded that they hand over the cans they’ve bought, Betsy refused.

She ended up being thrown when the lads mentioned Mason Radcliffe, her former boyfriend, who was killed in a shocking knifecrime incident last year. As they persisted, Dylan ended up stepping up, telling the gang to leave Betsy alone.

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Brody also ended up standing up to them, suggesting they were “all bark and no bite”. But it backfired as Brody called for Dylan and Betsy to run, before they were pursued by the three lads.

It was then, during the follow-up episode on Tuesday (June 16), that an emotional Betsy was seen speaking to Dylan, with the reminder about Mason’s tragic death hitting her hard. “Can I be honest, I think about Mason all the time. Sometimes I just can’t stop,” Betsy told Dylan, before he began to blame himself for having the knife to begin with.

While Betsy insisted it was not Dylan’s fault, he also assured Betsy that Mason “knew he was loved” before he died. Eventually, Betsy admitted: “I think it’s down to me… Try and move things forward. Focus on the future, people will love and care about.”

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And while Corrie fans have thought Betsy could end up being in trouble as she plans to leave Weatherfield for fashion college in London, some think Dylan could be the one to find himself in jeopardy.

@TheConnorSwains said: “And there it is… the foreshadowing. As soon as a character decides it’s finally time to move on, you know something terrible is lurking around the corner, ready to alter their future forever. #Swarla #Corrie.” @KatieJukesy questioned: “What if Dylan gets stabbed by those lads? That brings Betsy’s feelings about Mason back full force. PTSD ting. #Corrie.”

@SophieH74610875 posted: “I think Dylan will get shot and that what makes Betsy not got London and links with the coming of age story line.” @Fake_TV_Chef added: “Wild theory: Everyone thinks Betsy’s in danger, but Dylan’s part of this story too. If he’s attacked and left wheelchair-bound since Sean’s flat has stairs, Dylan could move into No.6 for Betsy to care for him putting London on hold.”

Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome after being admitted to Peterborough City Hospital

An inquest will be held into the sudden death of a 28-year-old prisoner whose post-mortem report did not reveal “any abnormalities whatsoever”. Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in Peterborough City Hospital on August 28 of last year.

Simon Milburn, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said the inquest would seek to answer if “any cardiac issues should have been identified and acted upon” and “could Mr Hayward’s death have been prevented”. Speaking at a pre-inquest hearing on Monday, June 15, he said the given cause of death may make answering this “not that straightforward”.

Mr Milburn asked for a cardiologist with expertise in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) to give evidence at the full inquest to “tell us whether this was something that should or could have been prevented”. He said the inquest will look into Matthew’s admission to the hospital in August as well as his time inside HMP Peterborough.

Dr Paramjit Samrai, representing North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said the post-mortem had not revealed “any abnormalities whatsoever”.

He said: “I think the problem with this particular case is the pathologist struggled to come up with a cause of death as sudden arrhythmia is based on exclusion. Something caused the cardiac arrest on that date and he needs to look at the circumstances that have caused that.”

He said that “getting the right specialists will be really important”. He suggested an intensivist or general physician rather than a cardiologist, adding: “I don’t think it’s been caused by a cardiac problem from what I’ve seen.”

Dr Samrai said that Matthew had been “vomiting” and “not eating” before his death and said: “We’ve got a young man here who should be fit and well, but something has happened. It really does need someone who understands all the systems of the body.”

A date for the inquest has not yet been confirmed.

​The 10-year strategy will capitalise on both new and traditional industries at ​Scarborough Harbour, Whitby Harbour, and Filey’s Coble Landing as part of a wider masterplan developed by North Yorkshire Council.

​On Tuesday, June 16, council bosses approved the plan to promote safe, sustainable and economically viable harbours while noting the challenges faced by coastal infrastructure across the county.

​Cllr Heather Phillips, executive member for corporate services, welcomed the “depth and detail” of the authority’s public consultation on the strategy.

​She told the meeting in Scarborough: “I’m glad we have a plan to make the harbours better because they are one of the great tourist magnets of the area, as well as being vital for business.”

​Cllr Liz Colling, chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, said: “This consultation has been live since January and there isn’t anyone who hasn’t had a chance to comment or who doesn’t know about it. I’d like to thank everyone who responded.

​“We are very excited for the next stage, and we look forward to working with everyone who has an interest in the harbours.”

​Among the opportunities highlighted in the harbour strategy is the opportunity to build on the offshore wind industry.

​The Government has said that the UK is the second largest offshore wind market in the world. Major wind farms are located off the Yorkshire coast, including at Dogger Bank, and the county’s coastal towns have the potential to help support the industry.

​Challenges faced by the harbours include ageing infrastructure, a decline of the fishing industry, climate change, and funding gaps, while opportunities include the offshore wind supply chain, tourism, maritime training, and improved harbour facilities.

​Cllr Janet Jefferson, who represents the Castle division, said: “I do welcome this strategy, which recognises the underinvestment in our harbours over the years.

​“It acknowledges that we need to improve governance and work with harbour users.”

​Cllr Jefferson also highlighted the importance of encouraging cooperation with offshore renewable industries, including offshore windfarms.

​She added: “There are concerns about the boat hoist in the harbour and users need indication of timescales for it to be confirmed, and they want to know if feasibility studies have been completed.”

​​The purpose of the strategy is to provide a “working framework to ensure harbour users, local communities and key stakeholders know what they can expect regarding development of the harbours over the next 10 years, and to generate a partnership approach to the development of the harbour”.

​It recognises that whilst there are a number of ambitious redevelopment proposals, these will be subject to securing external grant aid or additional council funding and will be subject to the usual financial governance process at the appropriate time,” it states.

​​The harbours in Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey have faced a period of decline due to structural issues, a lack of investment and strategy, environmental challenges, and the decline of the fishing industry, the council said.

​The aim of the strategy is for harbours to be resilient to future challenges, open and welcoming by offering accessible and engaging spaces for users, residents, visitors and businesses.

​Whitby’s £11 million Maritime Hub is nearing completion and the council recently set out its updated proposals for the controversial £15m redevelopment of Scarborough’s West Pier.

​The council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “The proposed strategy will secure the future of our harbours through investment, innovation, and collaboration.

​“While celebrating their rich maritime heritage, we will ensure that our harbours remain cherished and dynamic destinations for generations to come.

“We have listened to responses to the public consultation and taken the draft plans to committees, sharing with ward members, town councils, and harbour user groups to gather a breadth of expertise.”

​

Robinson, a well-known British far-right activist, had shared protest plans on Musk’s social media platform X on 9 June, claiming that “the whole of the United Kingdom is hitting the streets tonight at 7pm following yet another invader attack on our people”. However, he has suggested it is a lie to say that he has called for riots.

Acclaimed singer and actor, Lee Meed will join Scarborough Spa’s Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood the cast as The Sheriff of Nottingham.

Lee will be joined by Katie McGlynn, star of Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road and Coronation Street, as co-headline, playing Maid Marion.

A spokesperson for Scarborough Spa said: ” In this magical production we promise sensational costumes, sparkling sets, and great songs to sing along to this festive season, fun for all the family.”

The panto runs from December 4, 2026 to January 3, 2027 in the Scarborough Spa Theatre.

Tickets can be purchase via the Scarborough Spa website or call the Spa Box Office on 01723 376774.

For more information go to www.scarboroughspa.co.uk/whats-on/robin-hood-and-the-babes-in-the-wood

An impressive £22m jackpot is up for grabs in tonight’s Euromillions draw. The Euromillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday and a ticket costs £2.50.

A ticket includes automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker draw which creates new UK millionaires every week. The overall jackpot can rise to €190m (approximately £167m).

The Thunderball game also takes place tonight. The winner will claim £500,000 if they match five numbers from one to 39 as well as the all-important Thunderball number from one to 14.

Tonight’s Thunderball numbers will be drawn first at 8pm. This will be followed by the Euromillions draw at around 8.30pm.

If you bought a ticket you can check your numbers below. Good luck!

Tuchel’s decision to select a central defender in Chalobah, rather than a natural full-back replacement, is further proof Real Madrid’s Alexander-Arnold remains well out of the picture.

Alexander-Arnold’s fate seemed sealed as far back as August when Tuchel left him out of England’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

This was after Tuchel even opted to pick Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones, a central midfielder, ahead of him at right-back against Andorra in June.

Tuchel has made his concerns over Alexander-Arnold’s perceived defensive frailties clear, saying: “If he wants to have this impact in the English national team then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously.

“Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football, and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100% awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home.”

Packing his suitcase early for a flight back to England is not on Tuchel’s agenda – so one of the country’s most naturally gifted footballers is overlooked again.

Alexander-Arnold was not included in Tuchel’s 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March, missing out again when the coach needed to seek reinforcements.

Tuchel instead picked Arsenal’s Ben White, who has not been a regular at club level and had been in self-imposed England exile since the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

Alexander-Arnold did make Tuchel’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad, although that could hardly be called a ringing endorsement.

It is in sharp contrast to the faith placed in Alexander-Arnold by Lee Carsley, England’s Under-21 coach who bridged the gap between Southgate’s departure and Tuchel’s appointment.

Carsley even used Alexander-Arnold at left-back in a 3-1 Nations League win at Finland in October 2024, crowning his performance with a superb free-kick.

Alexander-Arnold started four games out of six under Carsley but none of Tuchel’s 14 – those facts speak for themselves.

As a head coach who fixates on squad togetherness, was there a worry that having such a high-profile player on the margins might lead Alexander-Arnold to provide an unintentional distraction and focus of attention?

Alexander-Arnold’s latest rejection appears to be further evidence there is no way back for him with England as long as Tuchel is in charge.