Jackie Baillie MSP has said that the SNP government’s mishandling of our health service has meant patients are left waiting in the dark, as new figures show that cancer waiting times have not been met, again in the last quarter.

Official figures show that just 82.4% of patients across Scotland started treatment within the 62 day standard between April 1st and June 30th 2019. In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, just 76.6% of patients started treatment within the target time – making them the second worst health board for cancer waiting times in Scotland.

The waiting time target is supposed to ensure that 95% of patients start treatment following their first urgent referral with a suspicion of cancer.

Jackie said:

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an extremely upsetting and stressful time, and early treatment is vital, so leaving patients waiting in the dark is simply unacceptable.

“The waiting time target was brought in to help improve survival rates for patients, but with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde consistently missing the target, patients in my community are not benefiting.

“Our NHS is chronically cash starved and understaffed, and patients and staff are being let down. It is clear that more must be done to help health boards meet these targets and work towards reducing the waiting period further.”