Health service waiting lists in Wales are continuing to increase, according to the latest figures.

The number of patients waiting more than 12 months for an inpatient admission or day case rose by 6.1 per cent to 12,558.

Those waiting more than 18 months also rose, by nearly a tenth.

But this measurement fell when tonsillectomies are excluded, as they have been in the past due to problems with surgical equipment.

Waiting lists also increased for outpatient appointments. The number of patients waiting for more than six months rose by just under a percentage point.

The health minister in the devolved administration, Jane Hutt, defended the news.

"I am far from complacent about the continuing work needed to keep waiting times heading in the right direction, but increased investment combined with new ways of working is paying off and delivering real change," she said.

"Last month no patient in Wales waited more than 12 months for cardiac surgery, and there were only seven patients waiting over this year's target of 10 months.

"This time last year, 620 patients were waiting over 18 months on the orthopaedics inpatient or day case waiting lists.

"I am happy to report that in June 2003 this figure was down to 57, split mainly between two particular NHS trusts."