Four in five NHS trusts missing cancer target as Lib Dems call for health service to be number one priority at the Budget

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the latest NHS data which shows that 123 NHS Trusts, 82.5%, missed their cancer waiting time target in August of treating 85% of patients within 62-days of an urgent referral, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said:

“Having a cancer diagnosis is one of the most terrifying moments of anyone's life. Everyone should get the treatment and care they need when they need it. Sadly, we have heard countless stories where that is just not the case. 

“The previous Conservative government’s neglect and mismanagement of the NHS has left vital services struggling to provide care and hospitals crumbling. The Conservative Party has proven itself unfit to ever be trusted with our health service again.

“It is now down to the new government to rise to the greatest challenge facing our country, rescuing the NHS. That means treating it as the number one priority at the Budget, to get our health service the resources it needs to get patients the life saving care they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The latest NHS data on cancer wait times can be found here.