The length of waiting times is also reported to have increased dramatically.

Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt; Tough targets

In 1997, an estimated 6,000 people waited more than six months for an appointment.

But by the end of August this year, there were over 56,000 waiting for the same length of time.

Meanwhile, the number of patients waiting for to be admitted to hospital for treatment has shown a slight increase.

In August, the number of people waiting rose by 549, to a total of 68,388.

There are signs hospitals are now making some headway in cutting the number of patients waiting over 12 months for an operation.

Figures show a 10% drop in those waiting more than a year for eye operations and a two per cent reduction in the number waiting a year or more for orthopaedic operations.

In March, waiting lists figures showed the sharpest drop in treatment times for over two years.

In patient waiting lists were down by 6,000 and outpatients by 1,600, a figure welcomed by Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt, who set out "tough" targets for health authorities.

These targets have been sweetened by the offer of more money for services.