Hunt praises better cancer times
HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has praised staff for improvements to cancer waiting times at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.
Between June and November 2017 the proportion of cancer patients starting their cancer treatment within 62 days rose from 76.1% to 88%. The national target is 85%. In a letter to the trust chair and chief executive, Mr Hunt said: “The trust is a real example to others, demonstrating how to improve performance in a short space of time and ensure that your patients get the care that they deserve.
“From visiting organisations throughout the country, I know that the immense amount of work that will have been behind this outcome cannot be underestimated.
“Improvements like this are impressive and testament to the hard work and dedication of the trust’s staff.
“Please do pass on my congratulations to all those who work at the trust.
“The service they give makes a real difference to the lives of many of the area’s sickest and most vulnerable patients.”
Elaine Deeming, the lead cancer nurse, said: “This result has been achieved by the hard work and diligence of everyone working in Cancer Services.
“So, special thanks to tracker teams, service and department managers, clinical leads and clinical nurse specialists.”
Ann Farrar, interim chief executive, added: “This is a terrific performance by a dedicated team doing their very best for some of our most vulnerable patients.”