Staff shortages hampering cancer treatment progress

A lack of funding, forward thinking and shortages of staff have seen cancer treatment stall in Scotland, according to a parliamentary report.

The Scottish Parliament’s Crossparty Group on Cancer, which publishes its report today, found that 18% of cancer patients in June were not seen within the six-week target.

The findings of the report have been described as “deeply concerning” by Cancer Research UK, and group convener Anas Sarwar said it must act as an “urgent wake-up call” for the Scottish Government.

He said: “Cancer survival is being put at risk because of a chronic staffing shortage in our NHS. This has devastating consequences for patients with cancer and their families and friends.

“With a growing and ageing population, the time for action is now. We need a long-term workforce plan backed up by sufficient investment and resources to save lives in Scotland.”

The report estimates that, as the Scottish population grows and the average age rises, 40,000 people will be diagnosed with some form of the disease every year by 2035, compared with 32,200 now.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “The findings of this inquiry are deeply concerning. Diagnosing cancer early can make all the difference, but there are major shortages in the staff trained to carry out the tests.

“Cancer services in Scotland are already struggling. Without urgent action, this will only worsen as demand increases.

“The Scottish Government must act now and publish a long-term cancer workforce plan – to enable the NHS to do its best by patients today and prepare for rising demand in the future.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Cancer is an absolute priority for the Scottish Government and our £100 million strategy is focused on improving survival rates and ensuring we have the right workforce.”

Picture: PA. Anas Sarwar.