Statement from Health Minister on Cancer Waiting Times

Date published: 15 January 2026

The figures published today relate to July to September 2025, the first quarter in which all five Trusts moved onto the new regional system. This early transition period had a short-term impact on performance, including the 6.8% of urgent breast patients seen within 14 days. That figure does not reflect the improvements that have followed, nor the reasons why change was required. 

The 14 day breast target has never been consistently met in Northern Ireland and performance was deteriorating before the regional move. Without intervention, the service was becoming less equitable and less sustainable. 

Since the end of the reporting period there has been very real progress. In October I introduced a regional waiting list initiative to fund additional evening and weekend clinics. Between October and December, 928 extra red-flag slots were delivered. The regional breast assessment waiting list reduced from 12 weeks in September to just over 7 weeks in mid-December. Further additional clinics have also already been delivered this month to offset the impact of a brief late December reduction in capacity.  Whilst I absolutely acknowledge that too many women are still waiting for too long, I want to reassure the public that the latest position is much improved compared to where it was last year. I also expect it to continue to improve in the time ahead with the current average waiting times falling further.  

The regional booking system was introduced to address serious inequity of access. Previously, the likelihood of being seen within 14 days depended on where you lived. Before reform, one Trust was achieving 92.9% while another was at 3.8%. That postcode lottery was not acceptable and it was not equitable. The regional model now ensures patients are offered the earliest available appointment anywhere in Northern Ireland, which is the right approach for cancer care. 

The review also identified a structural shortfall of around 3,900 patients per year driven by rising referrals and workforce pressures, including in radiology. No Trust could meet demand on its own. Regional working allows capacity to be pooled and investment targeted where it makes the most difference. We are now working with NHS Scotland to implement a modern consultant-led model supported by a maximised skill mix. I have allocated £5m recurrent funding to support this work. 

I acknowledge that 14 day and 62 day performance dipped during the transition period. This reflects the early implementation of the regional model and the roll-out of the Encompass digital system. These were expected short-term effects. The benefits of reform are long-term. 

Improving cancer performance remains a top priority. Through the Elective Care Framework we are investing in red-flag and time-critical capacity, expanding Rapid Diagnosis Centres, increasing imaging capacity, and exploring targeted insourcing including support from NHS Forth Valley. This is backed by the 2022 Cancer Strategy, which sets the pathway for long-term improvement. 

I can assure everyone that collectively we are doing everything we can to address this situation with straight to test pathways and learning from colleagues throughout the UK in the delivery of a red flag triple assessment service.   

I recognise the anxiety that delays cause for patients and families. While today’s figures cover an early transitional period, the progress since then shows that reform was necessary, that it was the right decision, and that it is already delivering results.