12 December 2017
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a very difficult thing to cope with, however minimising the time it takes to start treatment can relieve some of the anxiety that patients, their families and carers feel.
In quarterly figures released today by the Information Services Division (ISD), NHS Borders is a high-performing health board with 100% of patients treated within 62 days of Urgent Suspected Cancer referral, and 100% of patients treated within 31 days of Date Decision to Treat.
Judith Smith, Macmillan Nurse Consultant and Lead Clinician for Cancer, says: "We recognise the importance of patients receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible and are delighted that we have achieved 100% for both standards.
"This reflects the hard work and commitment from all staff involved in this pathway from GPs referring patients, to administrative staff, those involved in diagnostics, and nurses and clinicians. Everyone working together as effectively as possible to deliver the best experience possible for patients."
Medical Director Dr Cliff Sharp adds: "We remain committed to continuously improving our services and delivering excellence in care for every patient, every time. We also ensure that any delays with local patient care are highlighted so we can address them in a timely manner whenever they may arise - from first contact with an NHS member of staff, through referral, to the completion of their treatment.
"Our staff work hard to deliver well against these targets and I would like to recognise their efforts and thank them."