Delays in Cancer waiting times
Written by Rebecca Brisley | Personal Injury Team |15 November 2023
It will come as no surprise to hear that NHS cancer services are under increasing pressure.
New figures released in September 2023 confirm that NHS targets for urgent suspected cancer referrals continue to be missed and, in fact , performance in September 2023 was the second worst on record (since October 2009).
Cancer Research UK has published the following figures:
Urgent suspected cancer referrals standard: Target Missed
74% of people were seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of an urgent suspected cancer referral in September 2023. The target is 93% and was last met in May 2020. Performance in September 2023 was the 2nd worst on record (since October 2009).
The Faster Diagnosis Standard: Target Missed
69.7% of people were diagnosed, or had cancer ruled out, within 28 days of an urgent referral in September 2023. The target is 75% and has never been met since its introduction in October 2021.
The 62-day standard: Target Missed
Only 59.3% of people in England received their diagnosis and started their first treatment within 2 months (or 62 days) of an urgent referral in September 2023. This is well below the target of 85%, which has not been met since 2015, with a record low in January 2023.
The 31-day standard: Target Missed
89.7% of people started treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding a treatment plan in September 2023. The target is 96%. Performance in September 2023 was the 3rd worst on record (since October 2009).
These figures make for deeply worrying reading and, importantly, these figures not only demonstrate a delay in diagnosis, but a delay in instigating treatment.
Whilst statistics give us key information about what is really going on with cancer services in the NHS, we must be alive to the very real consequences that these figures mean for those who are suffering as a result. Each statistic represents a real person who’s chances of a good recovery could possibly be diminishing with every delay.
It is impossible to properly calculate the toll that these types of delay can take on patient outcome, as each cancer is different, and some cancers will be slow growing whilst others will be more aggressive, but nonetheless, a delay is never a positive.
If you, or a family member, has been affected by delays in diagnosis, our expert Medical Negligence Team are happy to discuss your circumstances and whether they can help you, on a no win, no fee basis. You can get in touch with them by calling 01752 827085 or emailing enquiries@nash.co.uk.
