Half a million patients waiting at least six weeks for diagnostic tests

ALMOST half a million people are waiting at least six weeks for tests that could diagnose cancer – up from just 30,000 before lockdown, new analysis shows.

Ministers have been urged to bring forward plans to tackle the backlog of patients waiting for care, with calls for weekly testing of staff to keep infections off the wards.

Cancer charities fear there will be an extra 18,000 deaths a year, because those people with symptoms do not receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The analysis of NHS England figures by Labour shows that of the 840,742 people currently waiting for diagnostic tests, more than half – 468,622 – have been waiting more than six weeks. In February, before the pandemic, 29,832 people – less than 3 per cent of those on the list – faced such waits.

The tests can diagnose a range of health problems, including cancer.

When GPS suspect cancer, tests should be fast-tracked, but in many cases the disease is only found after checks for symptoms that were thought to detect something less serious.

The figures show a sharp rise in the number of people waiting for 15 types of procedures.

The numbers waiting 42 days for a flexible sigmoidoscopy – a procedure used to detect bowel cancer – has soared by 722 per cent. Some 14,957 people have waited at least six weeks for this test, up from 1,820 in February.

The numbers facing a six-week wait for cystoscopy, used to detect bladder cancer, has increased by 545 per cent, with 8,190 people facing such waits in April – up from 1,270 in February.

The number waiting for MRI scans has tripled, with more than 15,000 people waiting at least six weeks.

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said: “Ministers tell us the NHS has ‘coped’ through the Covid-19 peak but that was on the back of cancelled operations, delayed scans and diagnostic tests.

“Estimates suggest two million people are waiting for cancer screening, tests or treatment and that 1,600 cases of cancer are currently left undiagnosed every month.

“It’s now urgent ministers bring forward a plan to tackle the backlog in non-covid-19 care.”

The analysis also shows a sharp rise in those facing long waits for heart checks, audiology tests, ultrasounds, and colonoscopies. Labour is calling on the Government to introduce weekly coronavirus testing for staff, so that anyone with the infection is identified, and sent home, regardless of whether they have symptoms.

Such action was vital to keep NHS patients and staff free from infection, he said.

Labour will highlight the issue in its Opposition Day debate today, and the party said it was prepared to bring the matter to a vote in the House of Commons.

Yesterday, Jo Churchill, the health minister, insisted that cancer treatment was “firmly back on track” after disruption during the pandemic.

During health questions, Mary Glindon, the Labour MP for North Tyneside, said delays in cancer treatment were causing anxiety and stress for patients.

Responding, Ms Churchill said: “As soon as you notice any sign that might worry you, seek help.

“We have worked at pace to make sure that services have been resumed and are able to deliver for patients, ensuring early diagnosis and ensuring that patients can access the treatment that they need swiftly.”

She added: “Covid-19 has upended all our lives and there have been some decisions due to the safety of patients but we are now firmly back on track.”