The NHS England is actually heading for its worst year in well over a decade. A huge number of patients are now waiting more than 2 weeks to be seen by a GP and even a consultant oncologist as well. New figures have revealed a worrying increase in patients and they are having to wait even longer to see someone. The wait for a GP urgent referral is well under target and this is worrying to say the least. Patricia Marquis, who is the director for the RCN in England has stated that improving the cancer survival rates is of core interest to them, and that in order to do this, they need to make sure that their waiting times are kept to a minimum.
She has also come out to say that the two-week wait is worrying to say the least, and that tens of thousands of people are now having to endure this. This is not acceptable by their terms, and they are more than aware that a small delay could have a very serious impact. A lot of people have said that this highlights the need to have a fully funded workforce strategy. Staffing levels are enshrined and this has been done on a legal basis. They also need to make sure that they have the right number of staff on-hand as well. This is clearly not happening if patients are having to wait over two weeks to see a doctor, and it does not align very well when you look at the long-term plan that the NHS have.
They have put this challenge to the government, which is good to know if you work in a nurse agency or even in a nursing recruitment agency.
