The 31-day cancer treatment standard was met in the quarter April
to June 2024 with 95.5% of patients across Scotland starting
their first treatment within 31 days of the decision to treat. A
total of 13 out of the 15 boards who record data achieved the
standard.
Performance against the 62-day target, for those urgently
referred with a suspicion of cancer, was 73.2%.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said:
“It is positive that we have met the 31-day standard, ensuring
that patients receive prompt treatment when they need it most.
This is a testament to the hard work of our NHS staff, who
continue to deliver high-quality care under increasing pressure.
“However, we recognise that more needs to be done to improve
performance against the 62-day standard, particularly in
high-volume cancer pathways like urology and colorectal. We are
tackling these challenges head-on by investing in our cancer
services and working with NHS boards to drive improvements.”
“To help reduce cancer waits, the Scottish
Government has made £11.3 million of Cancer Waiting Times funding
available for 2024-25, with a particular focus on improving
performance in urology, colorectal, and breast cancer services.
“Additionally, £30 million has been allocated to
reduce national backlogs and waiting lists with over £1.2 million
directed towards diagnostics and treatment for patients referred
with an urgent suspicion of cancer.”
“We're treating more patients with cancer on time within both
standards compared to 10 years ago. Despite this, there will
always be instances where some patients wait longer depending on
their health, complexity of disease and agreed treatment plan.”
ENDS
Background
The NHS is now treating more patients with cancer on time, within
both standards, compared to 10 years ago - 18.6% more within the
31 day standard and 9.6% more within the 62 day standard.
Cancer waiting times - 1 July to
30 September 2023 - Cancer waiting times - Publications - Public
Health Scotland
