Figures published this morning show that 389,019 people - one in eight of the Welsh population - are waiting for treatment on NHS waiting lists.

The most recent figures show that target waiting times from referral to treatment are still being missed.

90.6% of patients were waiting for less than 26 weeks, while 98.6% were waiting for less than 36 weeks. The targets are 95% and 100% respectively.

Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Health, said, “Despite the best efforts of hardworking NHS staff, waiting time targets are being regularly missed and more patients are waiting longer for treatment.

“Long waits to start hospital treatment can be distressing and worrying for vulnerable patients and their families.

“Waiting time targets are consistently being missed month by month with little prospect of the Labour Health Minister getting to grips with the problem.

“Labour’s record-breaking cuts of half a billion pounds to the NHS will only further constrain capacity and make it more difficult for patients to be treated promptly.”