Cancer treatment wait for hundreds

Hundreds of cancer patients have been left waiting for at least two months for treatment at Peterborough and Stamford hospitals.

New research from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that 915 people were stuck waiting for more than two months before receiving treatment at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford & Rutland Hospitals.

These figures meant, in 2022, at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, 54% had to wait more than two months for treatment to start.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has not hit the target of 85% of patients receiving a first treatment for cancer within 62 days of an urgent GP referral since 2017.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Simon Barkham and chair of Peterborough City Council's Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, said: “The Government has been driving our local health services into the ground and taking patients for granted for years, Peterborough and the wider communities serviced by the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust deserve better.

“Delays to cancer diagnoses and treatments are incredibly distressing for those with cancer and those who fear they may have it.”

Angus Maitland, Interim Chief Operating Officer, at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In 2022/23 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS has seen an unprecedented increase in demand for cancer services. This is related to the pandemic in the preceding two years.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring that patients receive a diagnosis at the earliest opportunity, making every effort to make sure they undergo their diagnostic tests and treatment as quickly as possible.

“At present we have 271 patients on cancer pathways waiting over two months for treatment. Not all will have a cancer diagnosis, and this will be identified as they progress on the pathway.

"We are committed to delivering the national access standard for cancer and are working with our partners to achieve this.”