The system for treating gynaecological cancer patients in Northern Ireland 'is close to the brink' according to a leading surgeon
By Marie-Louise ConnollyThe system for treating gynaecological cancer patients in NI "is close to the brink" according to a leading surgeon.
Latest figures show 19.8% of patients started treatment within 62 days of being referred - the target is 95%.Department of Health targets also state that at least 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer should receive their first definitive treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat. BBC News NI can reveal that in the Southern Health Trust there was a 41% increase in gynae red flag cancer referrals between 2019 to 2023.Image caption,Figures from all five health trusts reveal that none of them are compliant with the Northern Ireland cancer strategy waiting time targets.
It added this was a result of a "high level of referral rate and staffing pressures" that are consistent with those felt across the local health and social care sector.However, all said they were dealing with an increase in referrals, reduced staffing and according to the South Eastern Trust "every patient is assessed and urgent cases are prioritised".