There are reasons. Of course in January 2023 Sunak pledged to reduce NHS waiting lists. From Nov 22 - Nov 23 waiting lists in England increased by 5.7% compared to 1.4% in Wales.
Figures are recorded differently. Patient pathways as mentioned. The figures are recorded by pathways and some people have multiple pathways. There are pathways which are recorded in Wales but are not recorded in England.
England and Wales have had different policies on treatment. Wales treat those with the greatest clinical need first where England focus on the longest waiters.
The Welsh population is older and also has a higher percentage of the population over 65.
Poverty is higher in Wales.
Wales has no major acute hospitals in Powys and no major trauma centre in N Wales.
Lets face it the NHS needs major investment.