30 September 2019
Being diagnosed with cancer can be upsetting and difficult for patients and their families to cope with. It is important to us here at NHS Borders that lengthy waits for diagnosis or treatment do not add to the anxiety that patients can feel during this uncertain time.
From April to June 2019 we treated 97.5 percent of patients within 62 days of Urgent Suspected Cancer referral, and 100 percent of patients within 31 days of DDT (Date Decision to Treat).
Lynda Taylor, Macmillan Nurse Consultant and Lead Clinician for Cancer at NHS Borders, said: "Receiving diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible is crucial in ensuring that patients not only have the best chance at beating cancer but also to help relieve some of the anxiety and frustration that can occur when waiting for diagnosis or treatment. We work hard to ensure the people of the Borders continue to receive high standards of cancer care from us."
Adding his comments, Medical Director Dr Cliff Sharp said: "NHS Borders maintains a strong position in the delivery of cancer diagnosis and treatment. This reflects the on-going hard work and commitment from all our staff who continue to work together as effectively as possible to deliver the best standards of care possible for our patients, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for that."
"I would also like to assure our patients that we will continue to focus on this area, and the delivery of timely treatment for those facing cancer."