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 ...
13. Norfolk And Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
At Norfolk And Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 325 patients started treatment, of which 274 had waited 31 days or less and 51 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 84.3% Photo: NationalWorld/Mark Hall
14. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
At Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 263 patients started treatment, of which 222 had waited 31 days or less and 41 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 84.4% Photo: wavebreak3 - stock.adobe.com
15. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust 463 patients started treatment, of which 391 had waited 31 days or less and 72 waited longer, giving a performance rate of 84.4% Photo: Pitchayaarch - stock.adobe.com