The website of the Clinical Services Journal

NHS fails to meet cancer waiting time targets

NHS England aims for 85% of cancer patients to start treatment after being diagnosed, but waiting time targets continue to be missed according to the latest figures.

 Data published in April showed the figure was 81% – matching the month of January which was one of the worst recorded performances since records began in 2009. The figures also show that 57% of Trusts failed (86 out of 150) to meet the 85% target. 

Emma Greenwood, Cancer Research UK’s head of policy, said: “These latest cancer waiting time figures are a stark reminder that many thousands of cancer patients have to wait longer than two months to start treatment. But this has not always been the case. Cancer Research UK’s new analysis shows that before 2014 waiting time targets were generally being hit and patients were swiftly diagnosed and treated. Now, it has been over two years since the NHS first began missing this target, and that is unacceptable. The health service urgently needs more resources to ensure patients get the tests they need as soon as possible. This must be a priority for the Government and the NHS. 

“These targets exist to ensure quick diagnosis and access to cancer treatment, which is vital if we are to give patients the best chance of a cure and are serious about having survival rates to match the best in the world.”

 

 

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025