SINN Féin spokesperson for health Patricia Logue says growing waiting times for cancer patients are unacceptable.Speaking after the Department of Health publication of cancer waiting times. Councillor Logue said:
“It is very concerning to see targets for cancer waiting times for patients in the north of Ireland have been missed.
“It is unacceptable that some cancer patients needing treatment are having to endure excessive waiting times.
“Although there have been significant improvements in cancer treatment in recent years it is really concerning that waiting time targets are being missed.
“Advances in cancer care need to be built upon, ensuring cancer sufferers receive the better health outcomes they deserve.
“Unfortunately Tory/DUP Austerity has seriously undermined our capacity to deliver public services.
“Yet despite increasing pressures on cancer services HSC staff continue to deliver a high standard of care in what are often challenging circumstances.
“Workforce capacity must be provided to support staff in meeting this increased demand for cancer treatments going forward and this must be a consideration in a comprehensive workforce strategy.
“The development of a Cancer Strategy needs to be progressed to address the challenges facing cancer services now and into the future.”
