NI Cancer Waiting Time Targets Missed

Targets for cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland have been missed.

In September 2016 only 63.3% of patients with an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer started their first treatment within 62 days, according to new figures.

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said the figures were "totally unacceptable".

She said: "We heard at the start of this term there would be a joined-up approach and the Minister would work together for the common good. What we actually have is delay and miscommunication. This comes at a real human cost.

"I am alarmed the Minister is already moving away from accepting proposals for change have already emerged and must be acted upon, instead seeming to talk of endless consultation as if we are not already clear what the task is.

"In this case, we need a cancer strategy and a waiting lists plan, and in the long-term a shift towards primary care teams which will reduce referrals, signpost people more effectively, and thus reduce waiting lists."

(CD)