CFNI CEO Richard Spratt.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has said the ongoing absence of an Executive and Assembly is putting cancer patients and those awaiting a diagnosis at further risk.
It follows the publication of the latest NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics for January – March 2023 from the Department of Health which shows another failure to meet its own targets.
Cancer Focus, Northern Ireland’s local cancer charity which supports cancer patients, their families and carers, has expressed concern about the latest figures and says the lack of local political decision-making means cancer patients are being left behind.
The charity has said Northern Ireland’s new cancer strategy, published before the Assembly’s collapse last year, can only be successful through political stability, ministerial direction, and full, medium-to-long-term funding.
Speaking after the publication of the latest NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics for January – March 2023 from the Department of Health, Cancer Focus NI CEO Richard Spratt said:
“The latest statistics published by the Department of Health are deeply frustrating once again, but not surprising. While Cancer Focus NI and our colleagues across the sector welcomed the publication of last year’s Cancer Strategy as an important milestone, we warned that it would only be a success through proper funding, political stability, and strong ministerial direction.
“The ongoing absence of our political institutions at Stormont is having a major impact on public services. The resulting uncertainty is very worrying, particularly for third and voluntary sector partner organisations. The Department of Health has consistently failed to meet its own targets when it comes to cancer waiting times and lists. We are deeply concerned that the ongoing fiscal pressures across the public sector, combined with the turmoil within the wider health system when it comes to workforce challenges, transformation, and waiting lists, will mean that cancer patients are left even further behind.
“More missed targets means even less confidence and faith from patients in the health system. We know what is important when it comes to a cancer diagnosis – quick access to your GP, early diagnosis, and beginning treatment as swiftly as possible to improve your chances of survival and recovery. These latest statistics, however, prove once again that this is not happening with nearly enough people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland.
“While we will continue to engage with our political representatives to support the restoration of the Executive where possible, now is the time for decisive action from our political leaders. People across Northern Ireland deserve and demand better. Health is consistently ranked as their number one priority. It’s crucial that we have a functioning government back as soon as possible to deliver for cancer patients, improve cancer outcomes in Northern Ireland, and ultimately address the serious strains on our health system.”