More than a quarter of cancer patients at West Hertfordshire Hospitals had been waiting longer than two months for treatment in February, figures show. Macmillan Cancer Support said the latest statistics reveal the enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on cancer services. At the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS data shows that just 73.4 per cent of cancer patients started treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral in February. That was down from 83.1 per cent in January, but above the record low 50 per cent recorded in July 2014. The data means that 19 patients waited longer than two months in February for their treatment, and the trust was under their target of 85 per cent.
More than a quarter of cancer patients at West Hertfordshire Hospitals had been waiting longer than two months for treatment in February, figures show. Macmillan Cancer Support said the latest statistics reveal the enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on cancer services. At the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS data shows that just 73.4 per cent of cancer patients started treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral in February. That was down from 83.1 per cent in January, but above the record low 50 per cent recorded in July 2014. The data means that 19 patients waited longer than two months in February for their treatment, and the trust was under their target of 85 per cent.
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It means the NHS target has now not been met for nearly three years. And while there were slightly more referrals for urgent cancer investigations in February compared to the previous month, Macmillan said the number of people starting treatment remains lower than it would expect . Sara Bainbridge, the charity s head of policy, said: “This data further illustrates the catastrophic impact of Covid-19 on cancer diagnosis and treatment. It’s vital that cancer services continue to be prioritised and that those with cancer are not forgotten. To address the extensive challenges that lie ahead, the NHS urgently needs a long-term, fully funded plan for its workforce, ensuring there are more dedicated staff who are able to provide the best care for cancer patients, now and in the future.
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