NI cancer waiting times "unacceptable"

by Q Radio News

The Department of Health believes that NI’s cancer waiting times are unacceptable. 

Statistics published today by the Department of Health revealed the 14 day target for breast assessments was not met. 

During March 2019, 1,387 patients were seen by a breast cancer specialist for a first assessment following an urgent referral for suspect breast cancer. 

Of these, 85.6% (1, 187) were seen within 14 days, compared with 98% (1,257 out of 1,282 patients) in February 2019. 

This compares with 100% (1,276) in March 2018. 

Meanwhile, during the same period, 2,052 new referrals for suspect breast cancer were received. 

This compares to 2,096 in February 2019 and 1,977 in March 2018.

Referrals for suspect breast cancer can be for advice, assessment or both.

Of those new referrals for suspect breast cancer in March 2019, 1,424 (69.4%) were classified as urgent.

In a statement, the Department says the waiting times are "unacceptable" and mainly attributable to staffing gaps in cancer services.

"The Department’s approach to transforming cancer care is firstly to stabilise services on fewer sites staffed by larger teams of professional staff.

"Larger teams will make it easier to attract and retain staff and to cope when some are unavailable.

"That is why the Department has embarked on the public consultation on reshaping breast assessment care.

"This work will be complemented by the forthcoming review of breast treatment services and the development of a new long-term cancer strategy for Northern Ireland.

"Yet again, the 14 day target for urgent referrals for suspected breast cancer has been missed.

"Breast assessment services clearly demonstrate the need to be consolidated on fewer sites to ensure more reliable care, especially given the projected increase in breast cancer in the years ahead.

"A number of different trusts have fallen well short of the 14 day target in recent years, with staffing gaps the recurring cause.

"That’s not the fault of the individual units or their hardworking staff.

"It’s because staffing numbers are currently spread too thinly across the province. Smaller units are particularly vulnerable to staffing crises, for instance when a colleague falls ill or takes a job elsewhere."