Westminster must take control of health after further slump in cancer treatment times – Beggs

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs MLA has said that if there is no Stormont deal by Monday the UK Government must step in to take immediate control of health matters.

He was commenting after it was revealed that only 48% of patients commenced their first treatment after an urgent referral for suspected cancer within the 62 day target.

Roy Beggs said:

“Cancer is a cruel disease that often thrives during periods of delays in diagnosis and treatment.

“The latest waiting times are frightening and once again illustrate the tragedy of what is happening across our health service. Of the 202 patients that waited longer than 62 days for treatment in September 2019, over a third were later diagnosed with urological cancer.

“It is ridiculous that it even has to be said but saving lives from cancer must trump all other political demands and red lines. No other issue is more important than the health and well-being of our local population.

“On the day that 9,000 nurses are striking, it’s blatantly obvious that action needs to be taken and taken now.

“It is a total disgrace that the ongoing impasse at Stormont is getting in the way of resolving the pressures. If there is no deal by Monday the Westminster Government must step in and immediately take back responsibility for health matters. Only then could there be a chance of better outcomes for local patients.”

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