Cancer waiting times in Scotland performance at all-time low

Up to 25 per cent of patients being referred with urgent suspicion of cancer are waiting longer than the 62-day target for their first treatment.

 

New figures from Public Health Scotland show performance against the target dropped to 76.9 per cent in the first three months of this year.  The rate was the lowest since records began ten years ago.

 

The Scottish government said meeting the target “remains challenging” and more must be done to improve waiting times.

 

Janice Preston of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, said any delay in receiving a diagnosis of cancer and starting treatment caused a huge amount of distress and worry.

 

She added “These latest figures show a struggling system which cannot meet demand – despite the hard work of staff – and this must be addressed urgently.”

 

A Scottish government spokesperson said “Limiting the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients has remained a top propriety throughout the pandemic.  NHS Scotland rains focused on delivering high-quality care in the safest possible way to those who need it most.

 

“The 31-day standard has been consistently met throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with a median wait of four days.

 

“However, the 62-day standard remains challenging for this quarter with a median wit of 47 days and we must do more.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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