Cancer Outcomes 2022-01-18
2022-01-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the concern over cancer outcomes and treatment delays. The latest data shows a record high number of people waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with 55,000 patients in November alone. Additionally, Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.
What recent assessment has been made of cancer outcomes? To ensure the best outcomes for patients, they need to start treatment as soon as possible. However, in the latest data addressed by the Minister, there is a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November before the pandemic peak. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still waiting for their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?
Cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five percent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis during the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment.
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Assessment & feedback
Publication date for national recovery plan was not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.
To ensure the best cancer outcomes for patients, they need timely access to treatment. However, recent data shows a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with over 55,000 people in November alone. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?
I reassure the hon. Gentleman that cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five per cent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis throughout the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment during that time.
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Assessment & feedback
Publication date for national recovery plan was not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the death of Geoff Cosgrave due to kidney cancer that had spread through his lymph nodes and lungs. Due to staffing shortages, he could not receive treatment for a blockage in his lungs until finally admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary but unfortunately his condition deteriorated.
Geoff Cosgrave was admitted with advanced kidney cancer in mid-November but due to thoracic ward closures due to staffing issues, he waited over two weeks before being admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary. Unfortunately by then his condition had worsened and he could not receive treatment, dying last week. The family wishes to thank NHS staff for their care and asks what the Government is doing to address the understaffing in the NHS and pressures from covid impacting cancer care.
The NHS is focusing on recovering cancer services to pre-pandemic levels; an additional £2 billion of funding was made available and there were 44,000 more staff from October 2020. We are committed to getting back on track for pre-pandemic levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to address understaffing not provided
Response accuracy