70 per cent of trusts are missing key two-week cancer referral target

New analysis shows that over seven in ten NHS trusts did not see patients who were urgently referred for suspected cancer within the two week target.

 

The analysis fond that 84 out of 117 trusts in England for whom there was complete data from August 2019 to August 2022 did not meet the target each year.

 

In August alone, over 60,000 patients had to wait for longer than two weeks to see a cancer specialist following a GP referral.

 

Cancer Research UK’s head of evidence and implementation Naser Turabi, said “Any cancer waiting times target that is missed is unacceptable.

 

“However, this target should be a minimum standard.  The fact that it is now not being met just goes to show how strained our health service has become.

 

“We expect the number of people going to the doctor about suspected cancer to fluctuate throughout the year, but the NHS should be equipped for that.

 

“It’s also important to remember that it’s better to be on a waiting list than to sit at home with symptoms.”

 

The data shows that local trust Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust is among the best performing trusts, who have never missed their operational standard of 93 per cent.

 

Minesh Patel, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said “There are huge pressures even at that early stage of the cancer pathway, let alone when you get to treatment, and it is really worrying for somebody’s prognosis.

 

“If somebody starts treatment later the more worrying the outcome could be in terms of their ability to survive their cancer, to have minimal after-effects after a treatment.

 

“This is about survival and giving people the best chance and improving their quality of life ultimately.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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