14 December 2001
In the first joint report on the implementation of National Service Frameworks, which set targets for care and prevention for specific diseases, the watchdogs said there were wide variations in waiting times.
While most lung cancer patients had operations inside four weeks, some waited up to eight weeks. Radiotherapy for skin cancer should be given within 48 hours but it could take up to eight weeks in 40% of trusts. Hospitals could cut delays by using diagnostic equipment more efficiently.
'The NHS is not providing an acceptable level of care to all patients with cancer,' said Peter Homa, Chi chief executive.
Professor Mike Richards, the national cancer director, said the issues raised by the report were already being addressed. 'The NHS Cancer Plan – Making Progress, which we published last week, details just how far we have come. Where deficiencies have been identified, trusts have been asked to prepare action plans to put this right.'
PFdec2001
