Lothian praised over cancer wait times

Published on Wednesday 20 May 2009 09:44

NHS Lothian has played a key role in helping the country meet cancer treatment targets for the first time.

Figures released today show that 95.6 per cent of people were seen within 62 days of diagnosis in the area, reaffirming the health board's position as one of the best performing in the country.

It means cancer patients in the Lothians have a better chance of being treated within the two-month benchmark than in most other health board areas.

The national average in January to March 2007 – just before the SNP came into government – was 84.5 per cent of urgent cancer referrals beginning treatment within 62 days.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The achievement of this key cancer waiting times target is a significant achievement, and testimony to the hard work of all our NHS staff.

"But we must strive for further improvement within specific NHS boards and cancer types.

"This government and our NHS partners will channel every effort into making sure cancer patients are treated swiftly and to the very highest standards."