Anger over cancer patients’ waiting times
CANCER patients have been let down once again by Scotland’s NHS – with waiting times for treatment lengthening.
Figures released by the Information Services Division support findings in the annual household survey about discontent with the health service.
The Government’s own standards say 95 per cent of all patients with an urgent referral for the suspicion of cancer should be seen and have treatment within 62 days – a target which has not been met in five years.
In the last quarter, just 86.9 per cent were seen. The previous quarter saw it at 88.1 per cent and a year ago, 89.8 per cent were seen in the regulated time.
The other cancer standard – where 95 per cent of those with cancer confirmed should wait no more than 31 days for treatment – has also failed and is worsening.
This quarter, 94.8 per cent had treatment commenced within the time frame but a year ago, 95.7 per cent were treated in the appropriate time.
One patient waited 275 days for treatment to start after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Labour’s health spokesman Anas Sarwar labelled the figures “an absolute disgrace”.
He added: “The SNP have gone from creating a postcode lottery in our health service to ensuring that almost wherever patients are in the country, they won’t get the treatment they are entitled to on time.
“This is a real concern. Cancer remains Scotland’s biggest killer and these figures are simply not good enough.”
The Scottish Lib Dems branded the findings “unacceptable”.
Health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “The target has been missed for 57 consecutive months and fixing this must be a priority.”