McGrath says a shocking increase in cancer treatment waiting times demands an urgent response
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said the shocking increase in cancer treatment waiting time figures over the past ten years exposes the devastating impact of Executive inaction for patients and families across Northern Ireland.
The figures showed:
- Just 32.5% of patients treated after an urgent GP referral started their cancer treatment within the 62-day target. Ten years ago, this figure was at 64.3%.
- For those who were treated within 31 days is at 87.9%. Ten years ago this figure was at 97%
- In breast cancer, only 6.6% of patients were seen within the 14-day target. Ten years ago this was at 84.2%.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “These figures are scandalous, and every missed target represents a life put at risk.
“The shocking increase in waiting times for cancer treatment over the past ten years is the direct consequence of years of delay, neglect, political collapse and lack of planning by successive Health Ministers.
“I am concerned that the current Executive is simply not able to grasp the severity of this problem.
“We have heard lots of excuses around what is happening in the background, but very little accountability or responsibility taken.
“People need and deserve to see tangible results. When will any progress be seen on the ground?
“While the Health Department insists on caveats around new IT systems and ‘comparability of data’, the reality is that patients are waiting longer, staff are under greater pressure, and services are falling apart.
“Cancer doesn’t wait for a new data system to bed in, and those struggling with this illness know only too well that in terms of diagnosis and treatment, time is crucial.
“The SDLP Opposition will continue to hold Ministers accountable for these failings. We need an urgent response to address waiting times for cancer treatment and to give patients the best chance of survival and recovery.”
