Startling statistics uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have unveiled a concerning 8% increase in the cancellation of cancer-related surgeries over the past year. The data, obtained through Freedom of Information requests, paints a worrying picture of the state of cancer care within the National Health Service (NHS) in England.
According to the newly released figures, a total of 3,947 cancer-related surgeries were cancelled during the 2022/23 fiscal year, compared to 3,662 cancellations recorded in the previous year. These cancellations have raised significant concerns about the impact on patients and their families, as well as the overall effectiveness of cancer care in the country.
The data further reveals that of the cancelled procedures, 304 were attributed to staff unavailability or illness, 302 to a shortage of available beds, and 150 to equipment issues. Over the last four years, the cumulative number of cancer surgeries cancelled has exceeded 13,000, highlighting a persistent and deeply troubling crisis within the healthcare system.
The Liberal Democrats stress that the actual number of cancellations may be much higher, as the data was sourced from only 56 of the 137 acute NHS trusts in England. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the cancer care crisis.
Expressing grave concern, the Liberal Democrats have strongly criticized the impact of these cancellations on cancer patients and their families. They are calling for the establishment of a new legal right for cancer patients to initiate treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral. This proposal is part of a broader plan aimed at significantly improving cancer care and outcomes across the country.
North Bristol NHS Trust emerged as the trust with the highest number of cancelled cancer operations, with a staggering total of 547 cancellations in the past year. Other significant contributors to this distressing statistic include the Medway NHS Foundation Trust (347 cancellations), University Hospital Southampton (258 cancellations), and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust (254 cancellations).
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Every cancelled operation can have a devastating impact on patients and their families. Conservative ministers are failing to tackle the cancer care crisis.” Davey highlighted issues such as ageing equipment, insufficient bed capacity, and a shortage of specialized staff as factors hindering the NHS’s ability to provide timely and effective cancer care.
The Liberal Democrats are advocating for an ambitious plan to eliminate unacceptable delays in cancer treatment and elevate survival rates. As the cancer care crisis persists, they pledge to hold the Conservative government accountable for every missed target and every patient left without the care they urgently need.
The increasing number of cancelled cancer surgeries is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the NHS and the pressing need for urgent reforms to ensure that cancer patients receive the timely and high-quality care they deserve.
