Cancer complacency

CAN there be a more damning charge against the so-called ‘guardians of the NHS’ than that they have become complacent on cancer?

Astonishingly, that is the accusation the SNP faces after horrendous cancer waiting-time figures showed all but two of Scotland’s 14 health boards missed a key target.

Everyone knows the pivotal importance of cancer being treated early, so these statistics are no mere statistical footnote – lives hang on these targets being met. Health Secretary Shona Robison has tried to shoo away criticism by promising better days are ahead as a £100million cancer strategy is under way. But Trisha Hatt, Macmillan Cancer Support’s strategic partnership manager, cut through the shameless spin, saying: ‘We know that 75 per cent of Scots are diagnosed late.

‘Being treated late as well all adds up to cause real problems getting appropriate care for cancer patients – particularly for those with immediate palliative care needs.’

The SNP has consistently claimed the moral high ground on the NHS. It went so far as to waive its self-imposed moratorium on voting on English-only matters at Westminster to ‘protect’ the health service south of the Border.

The dismal betrayal of cancer patients here shows the breathtaking depth of the party’s complacency. Let us have no more empty boasting, but proper reform and investment in a vital sector.