NHS BORDERS has emerged as one of the best trusts in Scotland at delivering timely investigation and care to patients suspected of having cancer.

Under current government directives patients with suspected cancer, or probable cancer cases detected via screening, should wait no longer than sixty-two days from their referral to receiving treatment.

The government targets expect that the sixty-two-day standard should be achieved in 95 percent of patients.

Figures published today (March 26) show that NHS Borders narrowly missed this target, with 94.7 percent of patients being appropriately investigated and treated within sixty-two days.

This is, however, well above the national average of 82.7 percent, and only NHS Lanarkshire can boast a higher rate of compliance with the target.

An NHS Borders spokesperson told us: “Facing a cancer diagnosis is a difficult and frightening time, not only for our patients but also for their loved ones.

“Our staff work hard to minimise the time it takes to start treatment, which can relieve some of the anxiety that patients, their families and carers feel.

“NHS Borders maintains a strong position in the measurement of cancer waiting times, and we continue to focus on delivering a high level of performance in this area.

The charity Cancer Research UK reacted with dismay to the national figures. Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s head of external affairs in Scotland, said: “These figures show a service under huge strain with too many patients waiting too long.

“Early diagnosis and prompt treatment deliver much better results for patients and yet cancer waiting time targets in Scotland are routinely missed.

“If the NHS is to meet increasing demand, as well as diagnose as many patients as early as possible, the Scottish Government must plan to meet current and future need.

“New ways of organising services are needed, along with new investment which must reach the front line without delay.”