For the first time, all cancer patients in Wales are having their
waiting time measured from when their cancer is first suspected
rather than from when their referral is received in hospital.
The new measure, a first in the UK, aims to speed up diagnosis
and ensure people with cancer are treated more quickly. It has
been designed and developed by clinicians and is backed by cancer
charities.
It will eventually replace the existing two cancer waiting times,
which are based on how a person’s cancer is identified and puts
people on either a 31-day pathway or a 62-day pathway; a model
which has been used throughout the UK for many years.
Now all people with cancer are having their waiting time measured
in one consistent way, no matter how their cancer is identified.
All patients are now measured against a 62-day pathway, which
crucially starts at an earlier point, when their cancer is first
suspected.
The first set of statistics for the new measure will be published
today (22nd August).
The introduction of this new measure is the first step in a
programme to improve the timeliness, consistency and quality of
cancer care in Wales.
The Welsh Government is providing an extra £3m annually to help
health boards in Wales implement the new measure. The new money
will be focused on improving the diagnostic element of the
pathway, so that people can more quickly have cancer ruled out or
get their diagnosis and move onto treatment.
Health Minister, , said: “Cancer is the
single biggest cause of premature death in Wales and the UK. It’s
highly likely cancer will touch everyone’s lives at some point.
I am very pleased Wales is leading the way in the UK by adopting
the new Single Cancer Pathway, which has broad support from
clinicians and charities.
We are supporting health boards to improve performance against
the new measure and I’m confident it will lead to an improved
service for people affected by cancer. This is a vital step
forward in improving cancer outcomes in Wales.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services (Wales) for Macmillan Cancer
Support, said: “Macmillan welcomes this brave move by the Welsh
Government to measure cancer waiting times from the time cancer
is suspected with Wales being the first and only UK country to do
so.
“We believe this more transparent approach will highlight where
there are delays and what’s caused them to drive improvement to
ensure every person diagnosed with cancer in Wales has timely
treatment which meets their needs.”
