An extra 135,000 patients are waiting for cancer tests and scans
since the rollout of the Government’s flagship diagnostic centres
programme.
Latest NHS figures show that there are 1.208 million patients on
waiting lists for diagnostic scans and tests. In July, when the
Government’s rollout began, there were 1.073 million patients
waiting for scans, 135,000 fewer than today.
The NHS target is that no one should wait more than 6 weeks for
scans and tests, but 267,000 patients have been waiting longer,
40,000 more than in July.
Cancer waiting times have worsened every year since the
Conservatives came to office in 2010, with 1 in 3 patients today
waiting more than the recommended two months between being
urgently referred by GPs until they start their treatment.
Labour Leader, MP, attacked the Conservative
Government’s plans to weaken patient standards in the NHS
contract, including:
- Extending the maximum waits for elective treatment from 1
year to 2 years
- Scrapping zero-tolerance for 12 hour waits in A&E
- Scrapping zero tolerance for 30 minute delays in handovers
from ambulance to A&E
MP, Leader of the Labour
Party, said:
“For over a decade, waiting times for cancer care have been going
up. The Prime Minister's solution was supposed to be diagnostic
hubs but since they opened last year, 135,000 extra people are
now waiting for scans and tests.
“Members of the cabinet admit the Conservatives left our health
system ‘wanting and inadequate’ when the pandemic hit.
“The Prime Minister has been in power for three years and things
are getting worse not better.”
, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social
Care, said:
“24 Hours in A+E used to be a TV Programme; now it’s this
Government’s policy.
“I know from experience that when it comes to cancer, every
second matters.
“The Conservatives say they are at war with cancer, but they
spent the decade before the pandemic disarming our NHS.
“Labour will provide the staff, equipment, and modern technology
needed to make our NHS fit for the future and get patients seen
on time.”
Ends
Notes to editors
NHS diagnostic waiting lists data:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-data-2021-22/
Cancer waiting times have worsened every year since the
Conservatives came to office in 2010:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/cancer-waiting-times/
Draft NHS Contract, including previous and proposed weaker
standards:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/26-nhs-standard-contract-comparison-fl-particualrs-2122-v-2223.pdf
