Third of newly-diagnosed cancer patients now face waits of at least two months before receiving urgent NHS treatment

Official data has showed that one in three newly-diagnosed cancer patients in England now have to wait for more than two months for urgent treatment, and only 67.8 per cent of people with an urgent GP referral started treatment within two months in October.

 

The result is far below NHS England’s target of treating 85 per cent of cancer patients within the crucial timeframe.

 

While pressures surrounding Covid have likely played a role, the problem pre-dates the pandemic, with the goal having been missed for nearly six years.

 

Shaun Walsh, head of public affairs at Cancer Research UK, said more needed to be done to avoid a ‘cancer catastrophe’, adding “This is incredibly worrying, and we’re expecting winter pressures to add more strain to the NHS and its staff.

 

“Earlier in the year cancer services showed improvement, but this progress has stalled, the situation is getting worse again. People with cancer can’t afford any more delays.

 

“Swift action is needed from Government and NHS leaders to prevent a cancer catastrophe.  Government are due to publish a plan on NHS recovery – cancer has to be prioritised and chronic staff shortages must be addressed.”

 

A spokesperson from the Department of Health blamed waiting lists on Covid pressures, but insisted most services were back to pre-pandemic levels.

 

They said “Cancer diagnosis and treatment remains a top priority.  The pandemic has put enormous pressures on the NHS causing waiting lists to grow but now most cancer services are back to or above pre-pandemic levels.”

 

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.

 

Freephone : 0800 304 7382