NHS: Powerlifter faced five-year wait for knee operation

But are the criticisms fair?

“Given that two-year waits have been reduced to a very low level in England, not so much in Scotland, it does seem you’d be much more likely to wait that period in Wales,” says Mark Dayan of the UK independent health think-tank the Nuffield trust.

“But to some extent that flatters England a bit because England hasn’t necessarily made quite so much progress in reducing waiting times across the board.”

The policy analyst said waiting lists were not “the only things that matter”.

He added: “I’m not sure there are clear indications that the actual clinical quality of care in Wales is any different or worse or better. And that really is the ultimate standard by which you judge health system.”

Independent experts also point out that simple comparisons don’t take into account that Wales’ population is, on the whole, older, poorer and sicker than across the border, meaning an extra burden on the NHS.

Nor do they consider differing policy choices – such as prioritising patients based on clinical need.

Lengthy waiting lists in Wales not only pre-date the Covid pandemic but also devolution itself, so it’s long-standing problem.