The NHS in Wales has delivered a record drop in waiting lists.

This is the biggest reduction in the waiting list and the time people are waiting for treatment has fallen to its lowest level in almost six years.

The average waiting time for treatment is now around 18 weeks, down from 23 weeks in August 2024 and the lowest since before the pandemic.

This is the eighth month in a row the waiting list has fallen, which is the most sustained period of reduction on record.

Backed by £120 million of additional funding from the Welsh Government, health boards have also delivered an extra 187,000 outpatient appointments and a record-breaking 37,000 cataract operations to date.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: "This set of record-breaking figures show just how hard the NHS is working. Health boards are delivering more outpatient appointments, especially in the evenings and at weekends, and more operations, including cataract surgery, new ways of working to make sure people are seen and treated faster.

"The waiting list has fallen for the eighth month in a row, a new record reduction, and the longest waits are down yet again. This is real, tangible progress for people in Wales.

"We are determined to keep driving down waiting times and I expect to see significant further improvements in the weeks ahead to ensure that everyone gets the care they need, when they need it."