Cancer: NI patients waiting beyond target times for treatment
Last updated 29th Sep 2022
Most patients in Northern Ireland are waiting more than 62 days to begin cancer treatment, despite an urgent referral from their GP – shock new figures revealed today (Thursday)
The Department of Health statistics confirm waiting time targets for those patients who have been referred for suspect cancer and those with a definite diagnosis, are still being breached.
In June of this year just 162 patients (38.9%) out of a total of 419 began first treatment for cancer following an urgent referral.
In May only 166 of the 472 patients waiting, started their treatment while in April, it was 157 patients from a total of 398.
Meanwhile, the majority of those who have been diagnosed with cancer, are waiting longer than the 31-day target – after an urgent GP referral.
Cancer Focus branded the latest figures ‘alarming’ and said that there was uncertainty around funding for the new cancer strategy in the absence of a Stormont Executive. .
Richard Spratt, the charity’s CEO said, “We are alarmed that yet again, despite the tireless efforts of health service staff, the Department’s own waiting time targets have not been met. This is not simply about statistics. It’s about the health and wellbeing of real people who must cope as they wait for a delayed diagnostic test or treatment.
"As Cancer Focus NI continues to support local patients and their families through their cancer journeys, we hear of the impact of these delays daily. These delays can be devastating. Our politicians must know by now that delays to diagnosis and treatment make it more difficult to treat cancer successfully and we need to have governance in place.
"The continued lack of an Executive at Stormont exacerbates these delays. It has created uncertainty around the budgetary planning necessary to implement the new Cancer Strategy. Cancer Focus NI along with other organisations worked very hard to achieve the Cancer Strategy and are determined that it will be implemented on time and in full. The public is increasingly frustrated and demands an urgent commitment from all Ministers to guarantee recurring funding to deliver the Strategy’s recommendations immediately. This is the central focus of our public affairs work. By facilitating the Assembly’s All-Party Group on Cancer (APGC) we ensure that our MLAs understand the full impact of political inaction on these alarming cancer waiting times.”