The Department of Health has revealed the most recent statistics on cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland, demonstrating that only 60% of patients received their first cancer treatment within the recommended time period.
The figures have prompted political calls for an accelerated cancer strategy for the region. In December 2018, 319 patients commenced their first treatment following urgent referral. Of these, 60.5% (193 people) started treatment within the target time of 62 days, compared to 66.8% the previous year.
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs said the “steep deterioration” is outrageous, and demanded immediate action from the Secretary of State Karen Bradley. “Cancer treatment targets are set because there is very sound medical evidence that the longer a patient has to wait for diagnosis or treatment, the greater the risk that they may ultimately come to harm,” the east Antrim MLA commented. “Earlier this month the Department of Health announced that it would at long last be producing a Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland. Yet it was also clear that the implementation of the new strategy would only be for a future Health Minister to decide upon. As an Executive is highly unlikely to be formed anytime soon, delays in its roll-out are inevitable.
“The Secretary of State needs to take action. No longer can she get away with wilfully holding a senior position in the Government, but still refusing to govern. If local Ministers cannot be appointed she should move immediately to introduce Direct Rule. Only then could key decisions be taken that actually have a chance of helping people.”
The figures also show improvements, however, for suspected breast cancer patients awaiting their first appointment with a specialist. Of the 1,122 who received an assessment, 99.8% were seen within 14 days, up from 80.8% in 2017.
SDLP MLA for Foyle, Mark H Durkan, welcomed the improved figures but highlighted the continuing pressure on cancer services. “We are still missing targets and in some cases there has been a deterioration since last year,” he said.
“A cancer diagnosis is an extremely difficult and worrying time for patients and their families. We have a duty to ensure this period in a person’s life is a stress-free as possible and that they receive first class treatment throughout this process.
“We need to deliver a cancer strategy for the North that allows us to be as ambitious as possible when it comes to reducing waiting times for cancer patients. That demands a Minister providing strong direction. We cannot continue to fail people who receive a cancer diagnosis and need urgent help.”
(JG/CM)
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