New data reveals concerning cancer diagnosis waiting times in York

From November 2021 to February 2022 almost 1,500 patients waited longer than two weeks to see a consultant after an urgent cancer referral from their GP in York.

The NHS target is for 93% of patients to be seen within this time but in York the figure was 78% who were seen within 14 days.

Similarly in the same time period, more than 377 patients waited longer than 2 months (62 days) to start treatment from their urgent referral. The target is 85% but in York, 67% began treatment within this time.

The new analysis of NHS cancer diagnosis waiting time statistics from November 2021 to February 2022 shows a huge postcode lottery. 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to invest more funding to train and hire more staff, especially specialist cancer nurses, as well as the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to ensure all those who have been left waiting are offered timely cancer diagnosis so targets are met and treatment is started as soon as possible.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, commented:

“This latest data once again reminds us of the extent of the crisis facing our NHS. Delays to cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly worrying for those with cancer and those who are concerned that they may have it.

“The care and treatment provided by the NHS to those facing this serious diagnosis is excellent, but the delays in receiving this urgent care are shocking.

“The common link between the unrelenting pressure across all parts of the NHS and social care is a chronic shortage of trained staff.  More funded training places are needed along with more money in the system to hire more trained staff.  While staff absence due to Covid-19 has been an immediate and serious pressure for health and care services, the workforce crisis predates the pandemic by some years.

“Government must grasp the nettle on health and care staffing shortages to ensure that cancer patients get the urgent care they need and give them the best chance of survival and recovery.”