SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has described a report into cancer services in the North as ‘scathing’.
The Foyle MLA said: “This report on Cancer Services here is scathing.
“Cancer is the leading cause of death in Northern Ireland and while we should celebrate that more people are now surviving cancer, the fact that survival rates here are lower than the European average is very alarming.
“I have called on successive Health Ministers to bring forward a Cancer Strategy – and this report underlines the urgent need to do so.
“It is clear that the outdated existing strategy is not working.
“This is demonstrated clearly in the fact that none of its ministerial targets on waiting times have been met in several years.
“Furthermore, some of the pressures identified in the report, such as difficulties facing GPs and a shortage of Radiologists, suggest that without urgent action this situation is likely to worsen.
“We owe it to the people of the North to ensure that, should they fall ill, that they get the best treatment possible.
“I will be raising my concerns about the content of this report, as well as the need for equal access to cancer drugs for people here, with the Department of Health.
“However, what is abundantly clear is the need for us to get a government up and running to focus on tackling vital issues like this.”
