Urgent targets for cancer therapy missed by NHS for whole year

Official figures have shown that throughout the whole of 2014, a key cancer target has been missed by the NHS.

Even though a minimum of 85% of patients should begin treatment within 62 days of a GP referral, the target was missed in each quarter of the year, with just 83.8% were treated within time between October and December.

Some targets are being met by the NHS, including the target for ensuring 93% of patients see a specialist within two weeks of being referred by their GP. However, in terms of treatment, the target has been missed for a full year.

NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Sean Duffy, said “Swift diagnosis of cancer is key. Latest figures show that, compared to the same quarter last year, over 44,000 more people saw a specialist within two weeks of visiting their GP, which is good news for catching cancer early.

“But it’s crucial we focus on maintaining waiting time standards for treatment as demand increases, so we are closely scrutinising these figures to pinpoint any issues on the ground.

“We have also created an independent taskforce to develop a plan to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the next five years, with the aim of saving thousands more lives.”

Andy Burnham, Labour’s shadow health secretary, said “In the last year, thousands of cancer patients have waited too long for treatment to start and, in some cases, their chances of survival have been harmed.

“When it comes to cancer, speed is everything. Labour is committed to cancer tests and results within one week to help end this scandal.”

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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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