Cancer charity very concerned by missed cancer waiting times targets
Local charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has responded to the Department of Health’s latest recent quarterly cancer waiting times (Oct – Dec 2021).
Richard Spratt, CEO of Cancer Focus NI has said, “Yet again, we are very concerned that large numbers of local cancer patients have not been seen within the Department’s own target dates – a consistent failure ever since these targets were set.
“These statistics represent real people. When patients wait for a diagnostic test or treatment, the impact on them can be devastating. My colleagues hear this every day in our work supporting local patients and their families as they navigate their cancer journey.
“The collapse of the Stormont Executive created uncertainty around the long-term budgetary planning essential to implement the new Cancer Strategy. Cancer Focus NI demands an urgent commitment from all future Ministers to guarantee the recurring funding necessary to deliver all the Strategy’s recommendations. This is our key ask for our politicians ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections and the public will expect delivery.
“We fear that waiting times will continue to increase for many local people especially as we begin to quantify the number of people with a late diagnosis because of the pandemic.”
Richard Spratt continued: “We need an urgent and clear plan for sustained funding and resourcing of the new Cancer Strategy. In addition, in the immediate future, we need to see significant improvements in capacity to meet workforce challenges. Local people deserve better, and our political leaders cannot expect them to wait any longer.”
Cancer Focus NI offers therapeutic cancer support to local patients and their families. If you have any concerns about your health, speak to your GP as soon as possible. Visit www.cancerfocusni.org/symptoms for more information on common signs and symptoms of cancer. For information on the charity’s support services visit www.cancerfocusni.org/support.
“These statistics represent real people. When patients wait for a diagnostic test or treatment, the impact on them can be devastating. My colleagues hear this every day in our work supporting local patients and their families as they navigate their cancer journey.
“The collapse of the Stormont Executive created uncertainty around the long-term budgetary planning essential to implement the new Cancer Strategy. Cancer Focus NI demands an urgent commitment from all future Ministers to guarantee the recurring funding necessary to deliver all the Strategy’s recommendations. This is our key ask for our politicians ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections and the public will expect delivery.
“We fear that waiting times will continue to increase for many local people especially as we begin to quantify the number of people with a late diagnosis because of the pandemic.”
Richard Spratt continued: “We need an urgent and clear plan for sustained funding and resourcing of the new Cancer Strategy. In addition, in the immediate future, we need to see significant improvements in capacity to meet workforce challenges. Local people deserve better, and our political leaders cannot expect them to wait any longer.”
Cancer Focus NI offers therapeutic cancer support to local patients and their families. If you have any concerns about your health, speak to your GP as soon as possible. Visit www.cancerfocusni.org/symptoms for more information on common signs and symptoms of cancer. For information on the charity’s support services visit www.cancerfocusni.org/support.
