Call for action as less than half of 'urgent' NI cancer patients started treatment withing targeted time
“It’s now become the norm in Northern Ireland for patients to wait too long for the tests they need," charity says
Not achieving cancer waiting times targets has now become the norm in Northern Ireland, it was claimed today (Friday) emerged.
Cancer research UK was reacting to the latest Department of Health figures which show just half of patients began treatment for their illness within the target time.
They show that 48% of patients with an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer started treatment within 62 days.
But the target – set in 2009 – is 95%.
And it has never been met.
Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager for Northern Ireland, said:
“It’s now become the norm in Northern Ireland for patients to wait too long for the tests they need. Waiting for tests to find out whether you have cancer, and then for treatment to start, is an anxious time and this situation is unacceptable.
“Not having enough specialist staff to diagnose cancer is contributing to long waits. In addition to filling vacancies, our Trusts should also turn their attention to innovative initiatives that are cost effective and will help future proof cancer services. Extending clinic hours or looking at ways to reduce the numbers of those who do not attend their appointments are just some of the ways that could help alleviate the strain.
“To ensure patients are diagnosed quickly and at an earlier stage, it’s vital we see action soon.”
Meanwhile, Cancer Focus NI head of care services Dervilia Kernaghan said: “While it is encouraging that some patients are been seen quickly these latest figures clearly show that some ministerial targets are still not being met. We know that with our ageing population and the increased incidence of cancer there is consistent pressure on our health services which is likely to continue.
“We acknowledge how stretched the health service is and we have consistently called for investment in our cancer services. To this end we are supporting the development of the Department’s new cancer strategy which is due for publication next year. Cancer Focus NI’s vision is for a new comprehensive and well-resourced approach to address these issues faced by cancer patients in a systemic, robust and sustained manner."