 New plans may see target cancer diagnosis waiting times double from two weeks to almost a month. Known as the 'Faster Diagnosis Standard', the measures, which have been under consultation for more than a year, propose urgently referred patients in England should receive a diagnosis or at least have cancer ruled out within 28 days. Data released on Thursday by NHS England shows that the average wait time in the country is already significantly below government and NHS targets. Of the 260,000 urgent cancer referrals made by GPs in June alone, only 80% of patients saw a specialist within two weeks, well beneath the intended threshold of 93%. Co-founder of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign Pat Price, an oncologist, described the development as 'ominous and deeply worrying.' She said: 'The performance against the current targets is shockingly bad and has been for many, many months now, deteriorating over years. 'The clear and simple truth is that we are not investing enough in cancer treatment capacity and getting the whole cancer pathway working.' She added: 'This is a road to continuing poor outcomes including unnecessary deaths.' Oncologist Pat Price said 'performance against the current targets is shockingly bad' and has been deteriorating 'over years' (Picture: Twitter) The BBC reported the government will announce the results of the Faster Diagnosis Standard consultation this week, after which they will be pending a final sign-off from Steve Barclay, the Health Secretary. Mr Barclay told BBC Breakfast on Monday: 'There is a consultation at the moment. The story relates to a leak, and ministers don't comment on leaks.' Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the leaked development shows the Conservative government is intent on 'moving the goalposts' when it comes to NHS care. The Labour leader said: 'I w){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
New plans may see target cancer diagnosis waiting times double from two weeks to almost a month.
Known as the ‘Faster Diagnosis Standard’, the measures, which have been under consultation for more than a year, propose urgently referred patients in England should receive a diagnosis or at least have cancer ruled out within 28 days.
Data released on Thursday by NHS England shows that the average wait time in the country is already significantly below government and NHS targets.
Of the 260,000 urgent cancer referrals made by GPs in June alone, only 80% of patients saw a specialist within two weeks, well beneath the intended threshold of 93%.