Government has head in the sand over cancer waiting times - MP

Local MP Tim Farron has urged the Government to get a grip on the cancer crisis after new figures revealed the "horrific" extent of waiting times in South Cumbria.

New research from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has shown:

• This winter, from November 2021 to February 2022 almost 1,500 patients in Morecambe Bay waited longer than two weeks to see a consultant after an urgent cancer referral from their GP.
• 1,555 people waited longer than 28 days to get a cancer diagnosis from a specialist after an urgent referral from their GP.
• Furthermore, 114 people, waited a month or more to begin their first treatment after a decision to treat the cancer.
• Even more worryingly 262 are waiting two months or more to start cancer treatment after a referral.

Nationally, this winter, from November 2021 to February 2022 almost 195,000 patients waited longer than two weeks to see a consultant after an urgent referral from their GP. The NHS target is for 93% of patients to be seen within this time but across England nearly a quarter of people don't see a consultant for that urgent appointment.

Commenting on cancer waiting times, Tim said: "The Government seems out of touch with the experience of local families who are suffering, and have taken for granted our dedicated health professionals who have been left with too few resources to save the lives that they could.

"Delays to cancer diagnoses and treatments are incredibly distressing for those with cancer and those who fear they may have it.

"This Conservative Government has its head in the sand over staff shortages and no real plan to fix it, there must be action to fix this horrific crisis.

"They must get a handle on this crisis so cancer patients get the urgent care they need to give them the best chance of survival and recovery."