27/09/2019
Half Of NI Cancer Patients Seen Within Target Time
Just over half of local patients started urgent cancer treatment within the target waiting time in June, new official figures have revealed.
Some 55.4% of patients attended hospital for their first treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer within the recommended waiting time, which currently stands at 62 days.
The figure represents a rise when compared with the 48.9% seen in due time in May, however it is a 15% drop from the 70.8% in June 2018.
The statistics came to light in the Department of Health's waiting times release for April, May and June 2019.
The latest publication is evidence of a further deterioration in breaches of targets and delays, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has said.
The party's Health Spokesperson said it's time to prioritise saving lives from cancer over all other political red lines blocking the restoration of local Government.
"We have by far the worst waiting times in the UK and there is no longer any doubt that delays in treatments are seeing local patients come to real physical and emotional harm," Mr Beggs said.
"Every time the cancer figures are released there is a collective sigh of disbelief right across Northern Ireland, but even that now quickly fades, for as a society we have come to expect nothing else. It's an appalling and deeply tragic situation.
"No issue is more important. It is outrageous that an Irish Language Act is still being given more value ahead of the safety of local patients," the east Antrim MLA concluded.
The publication also highlighted that 80% of patients referred urgently for suspected breast cancer were seen within the 14 day target.
Some 1,861 new referrals were made in June 2019, 69.3% of which were classified as urgent. These appointments can be for advice, assessment or both.
(JG/CM)
Some 55.4% of patients attended hospital for their first treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer within the recommended waiting time, which currently stands at 62 days.
The figure represents a rise when compared with the 48.9% seen in due time in May, however it is a 15% drop from the 70.8% in June 2018.
The statistics came to light in the Department of Health's waiting times release for April, May and June 2019.
The latest publication is evidence of a further deterioration in breaches of targets and delays, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has said.
The party's Health Spokesperson said it's time to prioritise saving lives from cancer over all other political red lines blocking the restoration of local Government.
"We have by far the worst waiting times in the UK and there is no longer any doubt that delays in treatments are seeing local patients come to real physical and emotional harm," Mr Beggs said.
"Every time the cancer figures are released there is a collective sigh of disbelief right across Northern Ireland, but even that now quickly fades, for as a society we have come to expect nothing else. It's an appalling and deeply tragic situation.
"No issue is more important. It is outrageous that an Irish Language Act is still being given more value ahead of the safety of local patients," the east Antrim MLA concluded.
The publication also highlighted that 80% of patients referred urgently for suspected breast cancer were seen within the 14 day target.
Some 1,861 new referrals were made in June 2019, 69.3% of which were classified as urgent. These appointments can be for advice, assessment or both.
(JG/CM)
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31 March 2011
NI Misses Cancer Treatment Targets
Northern Ireland's hospitals have failed to meet target times for the treatment of patients referred for suspected cancer, a new report by the Department of Health revealed. Its guidelines say 95% of patients should begin their treatment within 62 days. Last December however, the figure stood at 81%, which was the third monthly fall in a row.
NI Misses Cancer Treatment Targets
Northern Ireland's hospitals have failed to meet target times for the treatment of patients referred for suspected cancer, a new report by the Department of Health revealed. Its guidelines say 95% of patients should begin their treatment within 62 days. Last December however, the figure stood at 81%, which was the third monthly fall in a row.
10 October 2011
Pink Lady Backs NI Cancer Research
A Saintfield woman, Noleen Adair, who knows about cancer, having discovered she had breast cancer at 22 to be faced with radical surgery and chemotherapy has been fundraising. Noleen refuses to put her life on hold and now, the charity she founded to help others facing breast cancer has presented a dazzling £50,000 to Friends of The Cancer Centre.
Pink Lady Backs NI Cancer Research
A Saintfield woman, Noleen Adair, who knows about cancer, having discovered she had breast cancer at 22 to be faced with radical surgery and chemotherapy has been fundraising. Noleen refuses to put her life on hold and now, the charity she founded to help others facing breast cancer has presented a dazzling £50,000 to Friends of The Cancer Centre.
15 August 2008
Cancer Foundation Offers Artistic Distraction
A new art therapy service for cancer patients has been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) as a pilot in Londonderry. UCF's art therapy service is being rolled out regionally with this being the first time it will be offered to local cancer patients in their own community.
Cancer Foundation Offers Artistic Distraction
A new art therapy service for cancer patients has been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) as a pilot in Londonderry. UCF's art therapy service is being rolled out regionally with this being the first time it will be offered to local cancer patients in their own community.
07 January 2008
Cancer Patients' Money Worries Targeted
Money worries are to be lessened for cancer patients and their carers at a Belfast hospital. A new project aims at having financial stress lifted off them, through a new information service which helps access to benefits.
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Money worries are to be lessened for cancer patients and their carers at a Belfast hospital. A new project aims at having financial stress lifted off them, through a new information service which helps access to benefits.
29 September 2006
UCF host All-Ireland Lymphoma Conference
Leading consultants in lymphoma will be speaking about advances in the treatment of the disease at an all-Ireland conference organised by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF).
UCF host All-Ireland Lymphoma Conference
Leading consultants in lymphoma will be speaking about advances in the treatment of the disease at an all-Ireland conference organised by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
