Nearly 94 per cent of urgently referred patients diagnosed with cancer were treated within 62 days of referral, according to the latest quarterly statistics on cancer waiting times published by Scotland’s Chief Statistician today.
The Cancer Waiting-Times Statistics for October-December 2007 show that 93.6 per cent or urgent referrals were seen within 62 days. The figures also show that 98 per cent of patients with breast cancer and 97.5 per cent of those with ovarian cancer were treated within the 62 day period. However, only 87.6 per cent of those with head or neck cancer were treated within the same period.
In addition, the figures show that each of the mainland health boards treated more than 90 per cent of cancer patients within 62 days of urgent referral, with NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Highland and NHS Grampian treating more than 95 per cent.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said the figures show that health boards are making good progress towards the Scottish Government’s target that 95 per cent of patients should wait no longer than 62 days from urgent referral to treatment from the end of 2007.
She continued: "This Scottish Government inherited a long overdue target and I immediately made clear my determination to see health boards improve their performance.
"It's crucial that cancer patients receive the best possible treatment, as quickly as possible, to increase their survival chances.
"That is why we have been driving boards to deliver on their waiting times target and I am pleased - particularly for cancer patients and their families - that our combined efforts appear to be reaping rewards."
The full statistical publication can be accessed here.
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