§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for post-surgery radiotherapy in(a) Southampton Hospital and (b) the nearest three units which provide similar services has been in the last year for which figures are available; what clinical guidance is on such waiting times; and if he will make a statement. [76742]
§ Ms BlearsThe information requested on waiting times for post surgery radiotherapy is not collected centrally.
The NHS Cancer Plan sets out new goals to reduce waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. The ultimate goal is that no one should wait longer than one month from an urgent referral for suspected cancer to the beginning of treatment, except for a good clinical reason or through patient choice. In order to tackle radiotherapy waiting times we are making unprecedented investment in new radiotherapy facilities, streamlining care processes through the cancer services collaborative and working to best utilise the current workforce and to increase the number of staff in post and in training.