Statement by Health Minister Robin Swann on latest cancer waiting times

The impact of COVID-19 on the Health and Social Care (HSC) system has been profound and long-lasting. Services, including cancer services, will not be able to return to normal for some time due to the continued need to adhere to social distancing.

In June, I published the Strategic Framework for Rebuilding Health and Social Care (HSC) Services which identified cancer as a key priority, recognising the adverse impact of COVID-19 on referral and treatment waiting times.

Under this Framework each Trust has produced plans to reset cancer services as quickly as possible in an environment which is safe for both staff and patients, whilst taking into account the potential need to respond to a further surge.

Those plans include a range of actions including: collaboration across Trust boundaries to design new more streamlined access to care for patients; additional funding maximise diagnostic and surgical capacity to facilitate clinical prioritisation and equalisation of waiting times across the region; and the development of a Regional Endoscopy Network to take forward pathway and service improvements for those waiting for urgent investigations.

A Cancer Reset Cell has been established to address the particular challenges presented by the COVID response. The Cancer Reset Cell covers diagnostics - imaging and scopes - and different types of treatment - systemic-anti cancer therapies, Radiotherapy and Surgery.

Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on health service capacity, the HSC has commissioned additional assessments and treatments from independent sector providers.  This capacity is being prioritised for those patients with suspected or confirmed cancer.

Notes to editors: 

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