Health Minister welcomes achievement of cancer targets

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today welcomed the significant improvement in access to key cancer services.

Speaking during a visit to the Cancer Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, the Minister thanked staff across the Health and Social Care Service for the huge efforts that have been made to improve cancer services for patients across Northern Ireland.

He said: “I am pleased that such excellent progress is being made to benefit people at a very worrying time in their lives. On the basis of provisional monitoring information, I am pleased to announce that the challenging targets set last year to reduce waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment have been achieved.

“As a result, in March 2008, 98% of patients diagnosed with cancer began treatment within a maximum of 31 days of the date of their diagnosis.

“In addition, over 80% of patients with suspected cancer who were referred urgently by a GP and subsequently diagnosed with cancer began their first definitive treatment within a maximum of 62 days – exceeding the target of 75%.

“Furthermore, anyone requiring an urgent examination for suspected breast cancer is being seen at a specialist breast clinic within 14 days of referral.”

The Minister also said he had set a new target to ensure further improvement. By March 2009, 95% of patients referred with a suspected cancer and subsequently diagnosed with cancer should commence treatment within 62 days.

Referring to his recent announcement about a new satellite radiotherapy centre in Altnagelvin Hospital, Michael McGimpsey said: “Planning for this new centre is well underway. My first commitment is, and always will be, to ensure that sufficient radiotherapy capacity exists to treat the people of Northern Ireland in the most effective, safe and efficient manner.

“I am keen to ensure that where there are mutual benefits to be gained from cross-border co-operation, the potential for North South collaboration is fully exploited.”

Chairman of the Western Trust, Gerard Guckian, welcomed the Minister to the Trust’s Cancer Services Unit and paid tribute to the outstanding performance of the Cancer Services Team.

He said: “I am delighted that the Minister has taken the time to visit the Western Trust’s excellent cancer unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital. Each year the unit provides treatment to on average 3,800 of patients and is firmly focussed on the needs of its patients and clients.

“The Western Trust’s Cancer team has performed extremely well in the past year and their dedication and commitment to providing high quality care has been acknowledged by the Minister today. I want to echo the Minister’s congratulations and commend the team on their professionalism and commitment to providing the quality of care that patients and clients have come to expect at Altnagelvin Hospital."

Notes to Editors:

1. The Cancer Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital is one of four sub regional cancer units. It provides services aimed at the early detection of cancer, screening, imaging, surgery and chemotherapy and pathology services.
2. There are also Cancer Units at the Ulster Hospital, Antrim Area Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. Cancer Units provide care and treatment for the more common cancers including lung, breast and bowel cancer where a referral to the regional Cancer Centre at the Belfast City Hospital is not required.
3. Media enquiries to Dhssps Press Office on 02890 520579, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.