Two-week target for cancer referrals missed for first time

New figures have revealed that the NHS has missed its cancer referral time target for the first time since it was introduced in 2008.

Despite the target of 93 per cent of patients being referred within two weeks, for the first time between April and June of this year, the figure dropped to 91.4 per cent.

Figures have also revealed that the number of cancer patients starting treatment within 62 days of their referral dropped from 82.3 per cent to 80.8 per cent in six months, the 18th consecutive time this target has been missed.

There are currently 2.5 million people living with a cancer diagnosis in the UK.

The Health Foundation’s charity’s Tim Gardner, said “This data suggests the health service’s capacity to diagnose and treat those patients promptly has not kept pace with the need and the 14 day wait target from GP referral for suspected cancer to first outpatient appointment has been missed for a whole quarter for the first time since records began in 2008/09.

“This is concerning at a time of the year when the NHS should have some respite from winter pressures, and there is a similar picture of longer waits for emergency care and planned surgery as demand exceeds capacity.”

Recently released data also shows that not only are two week targets being missed, but also two month ones, with only 79 per cent of patients in England commencing treatment within two months of an urgent referral, meaning the target of 85 per cent was breached for the 30th month in a row.

Moira Fraser, director of policy of Macmillan Cancer Support, said “The announcement marks two and a half years of continuously missed key cancer waiting times.

“This milestone is a bleak reflection of the pressures felt across all aspects of cancer care in the NHS.

“It mustn’t be forgotten at the heart of these figures are thousands of cancer patients and their families having their lives put on hold for months on end as a result.”

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

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