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04/10/2016
Call For Minister To Intervene Over Missed Cancer Targets
The SDLP is calling on Health Minister Michelle O'Neill to intervene after it was revealed cancer targets in Northern Ireland are consistently being missed in almost every Trust.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA described the figures as "scandalous" and "completely unacceptable".
Mr Durkan said: "Every day that someone is delayed treatment for cancer, their condition potentially becomes less treatable. The severe anxiety this causes cannot be overstated. It impacts on work, family life and in many cases mental health.
"With an aging population and an anticipated increase in the incidence of cancer in the not too distant future, the fact that almost every Trust is struggling so badly should concern everyone.
"The Health Service in Northern Ireland is now the only one on these islands currently operating without a cancer strategy. That there is no evidence one will be forthcoming from the Government any time soon is intolerable yet sadly typical. The public can no longer afford for the Government to put this on the long finger.
"There is clearly an urgent need for decisive intervention by the Minister on this issue and that is why I have tabled this urgent oral question to find out exactly what she is doing."
(CD)
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA described the figures as "scandalous" and "completely unacceptable".
Mr Durkan said: "Every day that someone is delayed treatment for cancer, their condition potentially becomes less treatable. The severe anxiety this causes cannot be overstated. It impacts on work, family life and in many cases mental health.
"With an aging population and an anticipated increase in the incidence of cancer in the not too distant future, the fact that almost every Trust is struggling so badly should concern everyone.
"The Health Service in Northern Ireland is now the only one on these islands currently operating without a cancer strategy. That there is no evidence one will be forthcoming from the Government any time soon is intolerable yet sadly typical. The public can no longer afford for the Government to put this on the long finger.
"There is clearly an urgent need for decisive intervention by the Minister on this issue and that is why I have tabled this urgent oral question to find out exactly what she is doing."
(CD)
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