New Low For Cancer Waiting Times- UUP

Less than half of patients with suspected cancer began their first treatment within the target time in September, it has emerged.

Some 49% of those urgently referred for treatment had their first definitive session within the recommended time of 62 days. The official target is 95%.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Steve Aiken revealed the "frightening figures", which he said expose the "sheer scale of human tragedy" engulfing local health services.

Mr Aiken told that members of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board have been informed of the figures.

The situation is particularly bad within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, where only 33% of patients started treatment on time.

"Cancer is a cruel and vicious disease," Mr Aiken said. "It's one that thrives in any opportunity of a vacuum or delay, and that is what makes the revelation that less than half of cancer patients in September were seen within the standard 62 day target so tragic.

"Like so many people across Northern I have lost close family members to the disease, and in 2014 I myself was diagnosed with bowel cancer. I can recall the concern that even the mention of the word brought to my family.

"Whilst I was fortunate to have been diagnosed quite early on – something I will forever be grateful to my wife for pressing me to visit the doctor – unfortunately for far too many cancer patients now they are simply being failed by a system no longer able to cope. Even those that do suspect quite early on that there may be something wrong are having to wait far too long for diagnostic tests and for treatment to begin."

Mr Aiken demanded immediate action on cancer treatment strategies, highlighting that waiting until a Health Minister is in place will be too late.

"There is a crisis in our health service and it is a disgrace that the political failure at Stormont is getting in the way of resolving it," he continued. "That is why the next Westminster Government needs to step in and immediately take back responsibility for health matters. Only then could there be a chance of better outcomes for local patients."



(JG/CM)