Shock figures reveal hidden human
needed. There is a really big question mark over that.”
Labour’s health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: “Coronavirus hasn’t made cancer go away and it remains Scotland’s biggest killer.
“Releasing NHS services from lockdown is going to come too late for some patients.
“The sharp rise in excess cancer deaths at home is hugely worrying and it’s disappointing that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Health Secretary Jeane Freeman haven’t done more to support a speedier and safe recovery within the NHS.”
Scot t ish Greens MSP Al ison Johnstone, meanwhile, cal led the figures “shocking”.
She added: “This reveals some of the detrimental impact of lockdown and demonstrates the urgent need to restart cancer treatment and screening.
“The Health Secretary must ensure that all available resources are used to ensure the safe return of NHS services as soon as possible.”
Lib Dem health spokesman Alex
Cole-Hamilton demanded the Scottish Government gives the health service extra resources to clear case backlogs.
He said: “Cancer referrals have fallen dramatically over lockdown but the distressing reality is that these illnesses do not push pause while we dealt with Covid-19. The Scottish Government’s Cancer Treatment Response group has difficult work ahead ensuring that those who missed out on screening and treatment during the lockdown are swiftly located and supported.”
Health Data Research UK has warned