26
May 2015
‘Thousands’ of cancer patients failed by NHS
A charity has warned that ‘thousands’ of cancer patients are being treated too slowly by the NHS.
Although at least 85% of patients should be starting treatment within 62 days of being referred for suspected cancer by their GP, official figures show that this target has been missed for a full 12 months. In the year 2014-15, only 83.4% of patients were seen, and 21,000 not seen, within the targeted timeframe.
Cancer Research’s director of early diagnosis, Sara Hiom, said “This is the worst result since records began, in 2009. Thousands of cancer patients are being failed. Patients want confidence that suspected cancer is taken seriously and prioritised by the NHS.
“These breaches have become a trend, and they are worsening. This is why urgent action must be taken to support the NHS to ensure it has the resources it needs to meet this challenge.”
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer Sean Duffy said “The NHS is helping more people survive cancer than ever before.
“Swift diagnosis is key, and our latest annual figures show that over 1.5 million people were urgently referred to a specialist by their GP – that’s over 70% more than five years ago.
“But it’s crucial we focus on maintaining waiting time standards for treatment as demand increases, and we are working hard to pinpoint any issues on the ground.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in Medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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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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