In England, Many Cancer Waiting Time Goals Are Being Abandoned
In an effort to detect tumours earlier, the NHS expects to eliminate two-thirds of its cancer waiting time objectives in England. NHS administrators aim to cut the number of goals from nine to three, the most of which have been consistently missed in previous years. They claim that the idea has the support of top cancer researchers and will streamline the “outdated” criteria. However, the CEO of the charity Radiotherapy UK expressed her “deep concern.” The visiting professor at Imperial College London and oncologist Pat Price stated that the existing performance was “shockingly bad” and that, despite the potential for disruption from having too many targets, “the clear and simple truth is that we are not investing enough in cancer treatment capacity.” Since last year, there have been consultations over the adjustments, and a conclusion is anticipated soon. NHS administrators are reportedly eager to move forward with the idea as initially outlined, but Health Secretary Steve Barcl...