Another day, another change of Health Secretary. It is becoming increasingly clear that this country must protect cancer patients from politics.
Wes Streeting gave us a cancer plan, but in his own words, it’s all in the delivery. In recent years we have experienced a revolving door of Health Secretaries, at a time when we urgently need progress in treating cancer patients on time.
A significant number of patients are not treated fast enough by NHS standards, machines are breaking down, and modern radiotherapy remains an afterthought to decision makers caught in the churn of Westminster.
Make key cancer target law, says Prof Price
Our Chair joined BBC Breakfast in April and recommended a legal commitment to the 62 day treatment target to save lives.
Get focused on the solutions
But there is a solution. Make the 62-day treatment target law. Bring back accountability that sits above the constant musical chairs of government.
Speaking on the latest NHS data, our Chair, Professor Pat Price, said:
“Today’s cancer treatment data is a sobering reminder that outside of Westminster, life goes on. People are still waiting far too long to begin cancer treatment, with deadly consequences for patients. Cancer does not pause for political crises, and neither can efforts to cut waiting times and save lives.”
#CatchUpWithCancer campaign
We launched the award winning #CatchUpWithCancer campaign with Craig and Mandy Russell, after they lost their daughter Kelly, 31, to bowel cancer.
We’re asking the government to boost cancer services and ensure cancer patients receive quicker and better cancer treatment, just like Kelly should have.
Everyone in the UK deserves access to the best cancer treatment and support. But not everyone gets it.
#WesStreetingResigns #KeirStarmer #WesStreeting #BBCNews