An increasing number of NHS patients are having to wait longer than two weeks to see a specialist after getting urgent referrals for suspected cancer
The number of patients with suspected cancer referred to see a specialist has increased over the past few years in England – but the proportion of those seen within the two week target is falling
NHS England data for December 2021 showed that 215,393 people across all providers were seen by a specialist due to suspected cases of cancer, with 169,381 seen within 14 days.
The current target for patients to be seen within this two week period is 93% – but analysis by NationalWorld shows more than two-thirds of NHS trusts are failing to hit that target.
But which hospitals saw the lowest proportion of patients within the two week period?
These are the 15 NHS trusts in England with the lowest proportion of patients seen within 14 days in December.
Five providers were excluded from the analysis due to not being NHS trusts.
Eleven trusts are taking part in a pilot to test a new target, to get all patients a diagnosis within 28 days of referral rather than an initial appointment with a specialist within two weeks. They are not currently being held to the 93% within 28 days target as a result.
1. Torbay and South Devon
Only 44.4% of patients were seen within two 14 days. However, this trust is taking part in a pilot scheme and is not being held to the target. | Adobe
2. The Royal Marsden
Just 51.1% of patients were seen within two weeks. | Adobe
3. Mid And South Essex
Only 52.2% of patients within this trust were seen within two weeks. This trust is taking part in a pilot scheme and is not being held to the target. | Adobe
4. Worcestershire Acute
52.3% of patients were seen within a 14 day period. | Adobe