I’m on six different NHS waiting lists – it’s taking over my life

A Personal Struggle with Endometriosis

Amy-Jane Davies, a 30-year-old resident of south Wales, is currently on six NHS waiting lists. She describes the relentless effort to monitor updates as consuming much of her daily life. Her condition, endometriosis, has led to a 21-month wait for gynaecological surgery. This delay, she explains, might result in further referrals to specialized units, creating yet another waiting list.

Impact on Daily Life

Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2018, Amy-Jane has experienced symptoms ranging from severe abdominal cramping and bloating to migraines, fatigue, and bladder and bowel issues. These have significantly disrupted her work schedule and even influenced her decision to forgo motherhood. “I never imagined how profoundly this condition would alter my life,” she admits.

Waiting Times in Wales

With the Senedd election approaching on 7 May, NHS waiting times have become a key concern for the next Welsh government. Amy-Jane’s health board indicated she needs a laparoscopy before being referred to one of Wales’ two endometriosis surgical centers. This process has extended her wait, while also requiring consultations for her bowel, bladder, and migraines, as well as MRI and ultrasound appointments.

Costs and Financial Pressures

Amid the delays, Amy-Jane opted for private surgery in 2021, covering £4,000 with her mother and grandmother. The procedure addressed endometriosis in her uterus and bladder, but specialists found signs of the condition on her bowel. Now, she estimates the next surgery could cost at least £15,000. “I can’t afford that price,” she says. “Even though my symptoms might return in a year or two, I’d be taking on debt just to get treatment.”

Broader NHS Challenges

Recent data from Wales highlights a growing trend in patients turning to private care. Independent analysis reveals a larger portion of individuals are self-funding treatment compared to those with health insurance. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has compiled a dashboard showing gynaecology waiting times in the UK. In Wales, gynaecology ranks alongside trauma and orthopaedics as the specialty with the longest delays. The nation holds the second-highest rate of waiting for gynaecological care, after Northern Ireland.

Systemic Issues and Calls for Reform

Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, attributes the backlog to both workforce burnout and limited access to operating theatres. “We frequently face challenges in securing theatre time across the UK,” she notes. “Prioritizing women’s health requires not only streamlined pathways but also equitable resources like theatre space and specialized capacity.” She adds that patients often end up in A&E due to prolonged delays. “This affects work, family responsibilities, and worsens their conditions,” she explains. “Some require blood transfusions or other interventions before receiving proper care.”