Cancer patients in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond are facing longer than average waits for treatment, according to new figures highlighted by local MSP Jackie Baillie.

NHS statistics published recently reveal that both health board areas covering West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute are missing key targets for cancer waiting times. Only 83% of cancer patients in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and 87% of patients in NHS Highland receive treatment within two months of first referral. This compares to the national average of 88%.

The SNP Government set a target of 95% patients to be seen within 62 days but, across Scotland, only two out of fourteen health boards are meeting the target.

Jackie said:

“It is very disappointing that 12 of Scotland’s 14 health boards are missing the 62-day cancer treatment target under the SNP. Patients in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond are waiting longer than the national average for cancer treatment because our NHS is under-resourced and staff are under-pressure.

“Cancer remains Scotland’s biggest killer and these figures are simply not good enough. It was Shona Robison who created this mess and she seems to be unable to fix it. Nicola Sturgeon should reshuffle her cabinet and get back to the day job of fixing the mess the SNP has made of our NHS