BROMSGROVE Liberal Democrats are calling on the Worcestershire Hospitals Acute Hospitals Trust to provide cancer patients with a two-month treatment start guarantee.
The party says it is people’s right across the country to begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral to boost survival rates and improve treatment for those affected by the disease.
The latest NHS figures show, in the last year, 1,301 cancer patients in Worcestershire waited more than 62 days to start treatment after being referred. This means only 46.82 per cent of patients in the area were treated within two months, well below the government target of 85 per cent.
Lib Dem proposals
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey used his autumn conference speech to set out proposals to invest an extra £4billion in NHS cancer treatment nationwide over the next five years.
The Liberal Democrat plan includes new radiotherapy machines, cutting the time for new medicines to reach patients, a new cancer research law, and better support for cancer patients and their families.
The new policy builds on existing proposals from the party on health such as introducing a right to see a GP within a week and expanding NHS dentistry so people are not forced to pay for private dental treatment.
Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bromsgrove, Dr David Nicholl said: “As someone who went through cancer treatment last year, I’m well aware of the massive anxieties any delays in the cancer pathway cause.
“The deterioration in our performance of cancer waiting times is a direct result of Conservative negligence over the last 10 years – our plan shows a clear way to invest in a better future for all cancer patients.
“Far too many people are still waiting, far too long for a diagnosis, or to start treatment after being diagnosed.
“We must do right by them and get them the care they need when they need it.
“The Liberal Democrats would give cancer patients a new legal right to treatment within two months of an urgent referral, to make sure they get the care they deserve.
“This forms part of our ambitious plan to end unacceptable cancer delays and boost survival rates.”
The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust response
Helen Lancaster, the Chief Operating Officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Our staff continue to work tirelessly to prioritise patients needing urgent care, including those with cancer, against the ongoing impact of industrial action.
“We recognise longer waits bring additional anxiety for our patients at an already stressful time and we apologise for this.
“We have made progress in reducing the numbers of patients waiting over 62 days for cancer treatment, with 52.4 per cent of patients treated within two months this year (April to July), but we know that we need to improve further.
“A plan is in place to do so by the end of 2023/24 and actions include working with healthcare partners to increase capacity for diagnostic tests and surgery.”
