Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Backlogs 2021-10-19
2021-10-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The number of people waiting longer than 62 days for treatment following an urgent referral for suspected cancer has been a concern.
What recent estimate has the government made of the size of backlogs in cancer diagnosis and treatment? The number of people waiting longer than 62 days for treatment following an urgent referral for suspected cancer in England has come down considerably, from 35,000 people in May 2020 to about 19,000 people.
The number of people waiting longer than 62 days for treatment following an urgent referral for suspected cancer in England has come down considerably, from 35,000 people in May 2020 to about 19,000 people. The NHS is putting in place extra capacity to diagnose and treat cancer patients, with the aim of clearing the cancer backlog of patients waiting over 62 days from referral to first treatment by the end of March 2022.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concern about the health and well-being of NHS staff, especially with increasing covid cases in schools leading to parental cohort infections.
To do that, we are going to need healthy NHS staff. I was alarmed to hear Cambridgeshire's director of public health last week talking about the sheer scale of covid ripping through the school population and then into the parental cohort, many of whom will be working in the NHS. Peterborough currently has the highest number of cases it has had at any time during the pandemic. So what is the Government's plan to keep NHS staff healthy?
NHS staff have done a phenomenal job throughout the pandemic. A comprehensive plan has been put in place, with advice and help provided. Extra mental health support is available, and further measures are under consideration.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on current measures and future plans
Under Review
Working To See What More Can Be Done
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A late constituent named Anne faced long delays in diagnosis and treatment, eventually dying without access to hospice care.
My late constituent Anne began to suffer pain in April. She never had a GP visit. She had two visits to accident and emergency, which did not result in any treatment plan. Finally, after four months, she had a non-urgent visit to a urologist. Sadly, because at no point was she diagnosed with a terminal condition, she was not given access to hospice care and died in September. What is he going to do to guarantee that there will not be many more Annes in the months and years to come?
Sadly, during the pandemic, people stayed away from the NHS due to pressure. Despite efforts by healthcare workers, it was not enough for some people. Emergency spending includes an additional £34 billion this year and more investment in diagnostic processes such as community diagnostic hubs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to prevent similar cases
During The Pandemic
Not Enough For Some People
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been meeting cancer pathway targets.
Will he join me in recognising the multidisciplinary teams throughout the country that are working non-stop to meet cancer pathway targets, including Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust? Will he consider a visit to the hospital that treated me and thousands of others?
Yes. I would be pleased to visit that hospital and join in congratulating the multidisciplinary teams throughout the country, especially the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells multidisciplinary trust.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Winter pressures have caused chemotherapy to be paused in Nottingham, impacting cancer treatment.
The proportion of people starting cancer treatment within one month has dropped to the lowest level on record. Some 30,000 fewer people are accessing cancer treatment than expected pre-pandemic. Winter pressures have already caused chemotherapy to be paused in Nottingham. Will he make a commitment that there are now sufficient resources for cancer services throughout the winter period?
Of course, cancer remains a huge priority. The number of people waiting longer than 62 days has come down from 35,000 in May 2020 to about 19,000 as of May 2021. The NHS aims to clear this backlog by March 2022 with additional £34 billion investment for the year and plans to increase funding over three years.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on winter period resources
Aims To Clear Backlog
Additional Investment
Response accuracy