Scandal of the NHS cancer waiting lists

FOR most of us, thank goodness, NHS delays are a matter of inconvenience. A longer wait for a simple procedure or the inability to get an immediate appointment with a GP do not, as a rule, have serious implications.

But for some patients, long waiting lists could have devastating effects.

Today, the Daily Mail reports that hundreds of women across Scotland face delays in vital breast cancer screening – of as long as 23 weeks. In fact, only a handful of units are seeing women on time.

Scottish Government ministers trot out a series of excuses – from bad weather to staffing issues – for the development of this entirely unacceptable situation.

These excuses will come as little comfort to those for whom the late detection of cancer might have the gravest possible consequences.

Medical science has made remarkable strides in combating cancer in recent years, but the fact remains that for those affected, early detection is key to their chances of survival.

Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie is not exaggerating when she warns delays in screening could be fatal for some women.

Only months ago, it emerged that more than 1,700 women missed mammograms after an IT failure meant they were not invited to attend screenings.

Coming on top of that scandal, news of these unacceptable delays paints a very worrying picture of standards in the Scottish NHS.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman must make the ending of potentially lifethreatening waiting times a priority.

And if she fails to solve this problem, she should make way for someone who can.