Question reference: S6W-26873
- Asked by: Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 16 April 2024 Registered interest
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 23 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason adherence to the 62-day referral-to-treatment standard for cancer is reportedly worse than adherence to the 31-day decision-to-treatment standard.
Answer
It is reassuring to note that once a decision to treat has been made people wait on average 5 days to receive treatment. However we continue to see an increasing number of eligible cancer referrals and our priority is to ensure these people receive cancer diagnosis and treatment safely and based on their clinical urgency.
While suspected cancer patients are always prioritised there are capacity pressures on diagnostic services. This is why we have published a £70m Endoscopy and Urology Diagnostic Recovery & Renewal plan, which includes a commitment to develop a network of Urology Diagnostic Hubs which will help reduce waiting times for people with cancer.
We have also provided three permanent CT scanners to support core capacity within Boards, including a mobile CT pod. In addition, one further mobile CT and seven mobile MRI scanners are being used across multiple NHS Boards to provide additional capacity with plans underway to further increase activity.