An additional 15,000 outpatient appointments are being provided across Wales throughout September, as part of plans to cut waiting times.

The additional appointments are part of the £120 million Welsh Government year-long ambitious plan to tackle long waiting times and reduce the waiting list.

As part of the plan, more than 20,000 extra cataract operations will be provided by the end of March 2026.

The latest NHS performance figures show just over 8,000 people were waiting more than 2 years for treatment in July across Wales, the second lowest figure since April 2021 and more than 88 per cent lower than the peak in March 2022.

Health secretary, Jeremy Miles, said: "The extra £120 million I announced in June aims to deliver what people want – faster treatment.

"This month, 15,000 extra outpatient appointments are being provided across Wales which shows how we are increasing activity all over the country to ensure people are being seen quicker.

"In July, there were an average of just over 5,000 referrals for a first outpatient appointment a day, which is the highest figure on record and demonstrates the scale of demand for NHS care.

"We are expecting to see fluctuations in the month on month statistics. I remain confident we will see a significant reduction in long waits by the end of the second quarter.

"I want to thank the NHS workforce for their commitment and ongoing efforts to reduce long waiting times."