Menu
27/09/2024
Alliance Health Spokesperson Criticises Cancer Waiting List Delays
Nuala McAllister, a spokesperson for the Alliance Party's health portfolio, has expressed deep concern over the latest cancer waiting list times in Northern Ireland.
She emphasised that health transformation is essential for reducing delays and ensuring patients receive timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to the recently published data, the number of patients starting cancer treatment within the 31-day target window has decreased by 7.7% since the last quarter and by 5.6% compared to the same period last year. For breast cancer specifically, only 30.7% of patients were seen within the 14-day target window following an urgent referral, a significant decline from 38.6% in the previous quarter and 62.4% in the same quarter of the previous year.
McAllister stated: "The statistics for this quarter are alarming and unfortunately not a one-time occurrence." She called for immediate action to address the deteriorating situation and ensure that patients receive the timely care they deserve.
"We welcome the announcement from the Health Minister around taking a regional approach to dealing with breast cancer waiting lists in particular, which will ensure that patients can be seen at the earliest available appointment, regardless of where they are based.
"However, we also know that each trust will have different services available for cancer treatment, such as rapid diagnostic centres. Access to these services should not be a postcode lottery.
"Alliance has long been calling for a single system approach to health and social care in Northern Ireland, with specialist and regional hubs to remove the barriers to treatment depending on the services available in each trust area.
"These statistics are a grim reminder of the real-life consequences of the dysfunction and lack of urgency in ensuring reform of our health and social care service.
"I, alongside my Alliance colleagues, remain committed to seeing this crucial transformation take place, in order to ensure the people of NI receive the highest quality care when they need it most."
She emphasised that health transformation is essential for reducing delays and ensuring patients receive timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to the recently published data, the number of patients starting cancer treatment within the 31-day target window has decreased by 7.7% since the last quarter and by 5.6% compared to the same period last year. For breast cancer specifically, only 30.7% of patients were seen within the 14-day target window following an urgent referral, a significant decline from 38.6% in the previous quarter and 62.4% in the same quarter of the previous year.
McAllister stated: "The statistics for this quarter are alarming and unfortunately not a one-time occurrence." She called for immediate action to address the deteriorating situation and ensure that patients receive the timely care they deserve.
"However, we also know that each trust will have different services available for cancer treatment, such as rapid diagnostic centres. Access to these services should not be a postcode lottery.
"Alliance has long been calling for a single system approach to health and social care in Northern Ireland, with specialist and regional hubs to remove the barriers to treatment depending on the services available in each trust area.
"These statistics are a grim reminder of the real-life consequences of the dysfunction and lack of urgency in ensuring reform of our health and social care service.
"I, alongside my Alliance colleagues, remain committed to seeing this crucial transformation take place, in order to ensure the people of NI receive the highest quality care when they need it most."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 January 2023
Over 88% Of Cancer Patients Begin Treatment Within 31 Days
Over 88% of people diagnosed with cancer began treatment within the 31 day target in the four months to September 2022, up from 86% in the previous four months. The Department of Health today published the Northern Ireland Cancer Waiting Times Statistics Release for the quarter ending September 2022.
Over 88% Of Cancer Patients Begin Treatment Within 31 Days
Over 88% of people diagnosed with cancer began treatment within the 31 day target in the four months to September 2022, up from 86% in the previous four months. The Department of Health today published the Northern Ireland Cancer Waiting Times Statistics Release for the quarter ending September 2022.
09 November 2006
Consultation launched on cancer control
A public consultation has been launched on a new Cancer Control Programme for Northern Ireland. The report aims to deliver improvements in the delivery of cancer services and outcomes for patients.
Consultation launched on cancer control
A public consultation has been launched on a new Cancer Control Programme for Northern Ireland. The report aims to deliver improvements in the delivery of cancer services and outcomes for patients.
10 April 2014
Stormont Group Says More Cancer Could Be Prevented
Almost 12,800 people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cancer each year and a significant number of these could be prevented through greater awareness, a new report from the All Party Group on Cancer (APGC) at Stormont has revealed.
Stormont Group Says More Cancer Could Be Prevented
Almost 12,800 people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cancer each year and a significant number of these could be prevented through greater awareness, a new report from the All Party Group on Cancer (APGC) at Stormont has revealed.
14 December 2022
Support Grants Worth £2m For NI Cancer Charities
Almost £2 million in support grants has been allocated to a range of charities supporting those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has announced.
Support Grants Worth £2m For NI Cancer Charities
Almost £2 million in support grants has been allocated to a range of charities supporting those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has announced.
04 February 2020
Symptom Awareness This World Cancer Day
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the general signs and symptoms of cancer in a bid to raise awareness and boost outcome rates this World Cancer Day.
Symptom Awareness This World Cancer Day
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the general signs and symptoms of cancer in a bid to raise awareness and boost outcome rates this World Cancer Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
