Wales' hospitals have narrowly failed to make good on a Welsh Assembly promise nobody would wait more than 18 months for orthopaedic surgery.

Eleven of the 13 health trusts met the health minister's pledge - to drive down waiting times to zero - by its July deadline, figures published Wednesday revealed.

But 92 patients in Swansea and Carmarthenshire have now waited more than that period for the crucial bone and joint treatments.

Jane Hutt promised �12m investment

Ms Hutt is forming an investigation team to learn why the counties' NHS trusts have not met her target, with the trusts promising the patients surgery in the next few months.

She praised managers at the other bodies for their hard work.

And she referred to �3m more for 2002/03 to ensure they can sustain the zero-level waiting list.

• Last July, 2,270 people had been waiting more than 18 months.

• That has now slid to just 92, with 52 in Swansea, 40 in Carmarthenshire and none elsewhere.

• But there was a 3.4% rise in the number of people waiting 12 months to see an orthopaedic consultant.

• And there was a 3.8% rise in those waiting over 18 months to be seen.

The news came as Merthyr's Prince Charles Hospital suspended orthopaedic treatment for a fortnight.

A theatre team at the hospital has been withdrawn after an error occurred during an operation at the hospital.

According to the director of corporate services, Phillip Williams, correct checking procedures were not followed during an operation and the patient had to go back into theatre.

The patient reportedly did not suffer any ill-effects as a result of the mistake.

An investigation into the incident is expected to be carried out by an external agency.

'Situation improving'

Before touring Llantrisant's Royal Glamorgan Hospital before the cameras on Wednesday, Ms Hutt issued a statement.

"There is no doubt that the situation has improved over the past year which shows that investment and planning does deliver results," it read.

"Some patients do wait too long for their initial appointment and I am committed to tackling this.

"This year �1m has been made available so that by the end of March 2003, patients should not be waiting over 18 months in the majority of clinical specialities.

"Our drive to improve services for patients continues. There has been a great improvement in orthopaedic and cardiac waiting times.

"The service will work to sustain that and build on it to ensure further improvements in patient care."