NHS Lanarkshire is the only health board in Scotland that is meeting its cancer treatment targets, according to official statistics. The standards for cancer treatment waiting times require that 95% of patients should begin treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, and the same percentage should wait no longer than 31 days from the decision to treat.
Figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS) reveal that out of the 14 health boards in Scotland, only NHS Lanarkshire achieved the 62-day target at 95.4%. Additionally, 11 health boards, including NHS Lanarkshire, met the 31-day standard. Across Scotland, during the last quarter from July to September 2024, around 1,200 patients (27.9%) waited longer than 62 days to start cancer treatment following an urgent referral.
Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the pressure on the NHS and highlighted the increase in patients being treated on time compared to a decade ago. Gray emphasised the allocation of £11.3 million in 2024/25 to address waiting times, focusing on challenging tumour types such as urology, colorectal, and breast cancers. An initial investment of £30 million aims to reduce national backlogs accumulated during the pandemic.
Cancer Research UK’s Dr. Sorcha Hume expressed concern over prolonged waits for cancer treatment, attributing missed targets to underinvestment and rising cancer cases. Hume stressed the need for adequate funding for staff and equipment, as well as rapid progress in implementing Scotland’s cancer strategy.
In conclusion, the report illustrates NHS Lanarkshire’s commendable performance in meeting cancer treatment targets in Scotland. The Health Secretary’s commitment to addressing waiting times and investing in cancer care reflects a proactive approach to improving healthcare services. Efforts to ensure timely and accessible treatment for cancer patients are crucial in enhancing healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.