Long cancer waits becoming routine across the UK

A report by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has warned that long waits for cancer care are becoming routine across the UK, with nearly fifty per cent of all specialist cancer centres experiencing delays most weeks.

The report was based on responses from senior managers at 60 specialist cancer centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The survey, which was carried out in November 2023, found the number of centres experiencing substantial delays had almost doubled in one year.

Managers at 47 per cent of sites said patients needing chemotherapy and other cancer drugs were facing delays “most weeks or every week”, up from reports of delays at 28 per cent of sites the previous year.

Centres reporting weekly delays to radiotherapy also nearly doubled, from 22 per cent in 2022 to 43 per cent in 2023.

Almost all clinical directors responding to the survey said workforce shortages were causing backlogs.

The college said there was a “staggering” 30 per cent shortfall in radiologists and a 15 per cent shortfall in clinical oncologists.

RCR president Dr Katharine Halliday, said of the findings “We simply do not have enough doctors to manage the increasing number of patients safely, and this problem will only worsen as demand continues to rise and more doctors leave the NHS.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events including cases involving delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

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

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