Cancer waiting times worst on record again

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today urged Michael Matheson to “pull out all the stops” and make tackling cancer waiting times one of his top priorities, as figures published today show the worst cancer waiting times performance against the 62-day referral to treatment standard since records began in 2012.

Figures published today by Public Health Scotland reveal that only 69.4% of patients were seen within the 62 day standard, a decrease from 71.7% in the last quarter. The 62 day standard was also not met by any NHS Health Board.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

"These statistics once again lay bare this SNP/Green government’s complete and utter failure when it comes to treating Scots who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“So many individuals and their families are being forced to wait day-after-day for the help they need. Humza Yousaf owes every one of them an apology for allowing things to get so bad during his time as health secretary.  

“It’s now incumbent upon Michael Matheson to pull out all the stops in his efforts to tackle these waiting times urgently. Early intervention in cancer cases is crucial to chances of survival so the stakes here could simply not be higher – it’s a matter of life and death.  

“Both NHS patients and staff are tired of being continually failed by this government. Things simply have to change and fast. The people of Scotland cannot afford otherwise.”