Patients could go to other parts of Wales, or into England

The "second option" scheme was announced during a debate on the assembly government's review of health and social care in Wales.

It is a response to the report's recommendation that innovative measures are implemented to reduce waiting lists in Wales.

It means that patients will be offered their treatment in other areas of Wales and England if their surgical needs cannot be met locally.

Wales is in real trouble as we move into the busiest time of year for the NHS Conservative Jonathan Morgan

Patients could then be treated in England and also within the independent sector.

Ms Hutt told AMs that patients unable to travel to receive treatment would remain on the waiting list until provision becomes available.

The Conservatives accuse Jane Hutt of 'ineffectual management'

Outpatient appointment

Figures from the assembly government showed that waiting lists at hospitals in Wales rose slightly over the past month.

Statistics for September show those patients waiting more than a year and also for 18 months for treatment rose by around 0.5%.

Those waiting more than a month for a first outpatient appointment fell.

But the Conservatives attacked Ms Hutt for what they called her ineffectual management.

Health spokesman Jonathan Morgan said the total number of people waiting on inpatient and outpatient waiting lists had soared to 307,339, or more than 10% of the Welsh population.

He said Ms Hutt had "done absolutely nothing about this deplorable situation".

While acknowledging her announcement that no patient will wait over 18 months for treatment, Mr Morgan said little further detail was given on how she would achieve it.

"Every month we hear more political babble from her and her government colleagues that the health service is improving and that Wales has one of the best health systems in Europe," he said.

"Any examination of these figures will show that Wales is in real trouble as we move into the busiest time of year for the NHS."