Stevenson Delighted by Improvement in NHS Grampian Cancer Waiting Times

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the publication of figures showing that 96.4% of cancer patients in NHS Grampian were treated within the 62 day target between April and June this year. This is the highest percentage for NHS Grampian since the target was first introduced in 2005 and compares with a figure of 87.2% in April-June 2007 when the SNP Government was first elected. NHS Scotland’s target is for 95% of cancer patients to be treated within 62 days, a target that has been met nationally in each of the last 3 quarters.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am delighted by these latest improvements to waiting times for cancer patients in the NHS Grampian area and believe it is a real testament to the determination of NHS Grampian staff to continually improve the vital care that they provide.

“The Scottish Government is preparing to set tougher targets for cancer care from 2011 in order to keep driving improvement forward, but I am confident that staff in NHS Grampian will continue to be tireless in their efforts to provide the best care possible for their patients.

“That NHS Grampian has seen a 9.2% improvement since the same period in 2007 when the SNP first took office is excellent news and reflects progress that is being made across Scotland.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is an immensely worrying time for patients and it is vital that they are able to begin their treatment as swiftly as possible following that diagnosis. I am confident that NHS Grampian’s dedicated staff will do their best to ensure that this progress continues and know that this will be welcomed by people in Banff & Buchan.”