Tayside cancer patients facing long wait for urgent treatment

Cancer patients in Tayside can be left waiting more than twice the two-month maximum waiting time for urgent treatment.

The Scottish Government has set a maximum waiting time of two months but longest waiting time figures released to Conservative MSP Liz Smith have revealed some patients in Tayside can wait more than four and a half months.

Ms Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said the figure is “unacceptable.”

“If a cancer patient is urgently referred by a doctor, they should not have to wait longer than the 62-day target timeframe.

“If anything, with so much at stake, they should be seen to even more quickly.

“The Scottish Government must work hard to ensure that patients are supported throughout their cancer journey and that means treatment starting as soon as possible.”

Associate medical director with NHS Tayside Gavin Main said meeting targets was a challenge as some patients require major investigations to determine their treatment.

“This can, understandably, take some time,” he said.

“Our cancer teams work extremely hard ensuring every patient is tracked through each stage of their journey.

“By doing this, we can intervene or escalate cases immediately if there appears to be any delay in treatment and we will always work to minimise factors producing delays.

“We recognise that any cancer diagnosis is worrying for patients and their families and that is why we will never be complacent and continue to strive for improved service.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was bottom of the list.