Local Assembly Member Paul Davies is raising concerns over the rise in the number of patients waiting more than 36 weeks for treatment within the Hywel Dda local health board area. According to figures from the Welsh Government, in September this year, 441 patients had to wait more than 36 weeks to start their treatment. That figure rose by 36.9% to 604 the following month. Also, the number of patients treated during this timeframe also increased. In September, 146 patients were treated under the timeframe "more than 36 weeks". That figure then rose by a huge 89.7% the following month, to 277 patients.

Mr Davies said, "These figures are extremely worrying. Waiting for treatment is a difficult time for any patient. Unnecessary and avoidable delays for treatment only make the situation far worse. Therefore it is essential that the health board takes measures to tackle this issue."

"Sadly, the Welsh Labour Government's cuts to the health service have meant that NHS staff are working under huge financial pressures. The financial challenge our health boards are facing is driving unpopular and dangerous service change; making targets more difficult to achieve and putting immense pressure on hardworking frontline staff. The people of Pembrokeshire have a right to feel to be treated in an appropriate and timely fashion and it is important that the Welsh Labour Government addresses this as a matter of urgency."