Analysis of NHS data shows that more than two-thirds of English NHS trusts are failing a key target to start treatment for cancer patients within a month.
The Royal College of Radiologists issued a stark warning that staff shortages mean patients are facing worsening delays for tests or to start chemotherapy or radiotherapy, adding that every four-week delay to treatment increases the risk of death by around 10%.
NHS rules in England say healthcare providers should ensure that at least 96% of cancer patients start treatment within 31 days of doctors deciding to treat them, and what to treat them with.
But in April, NHS England data shows 94 out of 136 hospital trusts (69% of them) failed to meet this target, with some not even managing to treat 80% of patients within the target window.
Below are the NHS trusts with the worst record for starting patients' treatment within 31 days in April, including East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust ...
9. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust saw 70 patients start treatment, of which 58 had waited 31 days or less and 12 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 82.9% Photo: Yuri Arcurs peopleimages.com
10. The Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust
At The Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust 262 patients started treatment, of which 218 had waited 31 days or less and 44 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 83.2% Photo: adobe stock
11. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
At Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 396 patients started treatment, of which 331 had waited 31 days or less and 65 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 83.6% Photo: Pormezz - stock.adobe.com
12. East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust saw 191 patients start treatment, of which 161 had waited 31 days or less and 30 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 84.3% Photo: adobe stock