An Ulster Unionist motion has been put forward at Belfast City Hall warning of the ‘frightening and dangerous‘ lengths of time that many cancer patients in the City are being forced to wait to receive crucial treatment.

The motion will be proposed by Cllr Peter Johnston and seconded by Cllr Sonia Copeland, who is herself a survivor of cancer.

Cllr Peter Johnston said:

“Cancer is a cruel disease. A diagnosis not only comes as a major emotional blow to the patients, but also their friends and family. Despite the fact that Northern Ireland has become a world leader in cancer research, the rate at which local cancer services are deteriorating is frightening. With every week or month of delay, cancer patients come to harm as their prospect of a successful outcome diminishes.

“Every single Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland, across every month in the most recent reporting period, failed to meet the minimum waiting time target for treatment for suspected cancer.   

“The problem is particularly acute in the Belfast Trust. During the debate I specifically highlighted the situation that in Belfast only 27% of breast cancer sufferers in June 2015 were seen within 14 days, despite the target being 100%. This was not a one-off either. In April only 16% of women were seen on time, and 20% in May.

“Earlier this year, in a leaked document from the Health and Social Care Board, there was a direct warning that ‘increased waiting times for assessment may result in delayed diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening condition with reduced likelihood of a successful outcome’.

“It is clear there is a crisis in cancer services across Belfast. The problem has now become so severe that local patients are coming to harm. That is simply outrageous.”

ENDS

The wording of the motion is as follows:

This Council notes the absolute importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer as any unnecessary delays can result in a reduced likelihood of a successful outcome; accepts that cancer targets are set within established medical evidence; notes that whilst Northern Ireland has become a world leader in cancer research, local waiting times across a range of specialities have deteriorated to unacceptable levels and calls upon the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure that cancer services are adequately organised, funded and resourced to ensure that patient safety is not further compromised.