A SOUTH Scotland MSP says ministers should feel "shame" over cancer waiting times in NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Conservative politician Sharon Dowey made the statement after Public Health Scotland figures revealed that over a quarter of cancer patients across Scotland were not seen within the two-month target time after being referred for treatment.

She said: “Cancer waiting times in NHS Ayrshire & Arran continue to be deeply alarming.

"Everyone knows someone with cancer and any delays to starting treatment only risks a patient’s chances of survival.

"Frankly, the lengthy waiting times in NHS Ayrshire and Arran should be a source of shame for SNP ministers.

“The national cancer waiting time target has now not been met for over a decade, so the pandemic cannot be used as an excuse.

"Suffering cancer patients and dedicated staff in NHS Ayrshire and Arran need to see the SNP health secretary urgently outline a plan to dramatically improve cancer waiting times.”

The SNP’s target was for 95 per cent of cancer patients to be seen within 62 days after being referred.

In NHS Ayrshire and Arran only 83.5 per cent of patients were seen within the target time. 

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “It is positive that we have met the 31-day standard, ensuring that patients receive prompt treatment when they need it most.

"This is a testament to the hard work of our NHS staff, who continue to deliver high-quality care under increasing pressure.

“However, we recognise that more needs to be done to improve performance against the 62-day standard, particularly in high-volume cancer pathways like urology and colorectal.

"We are tackling these challenges head-on by investing in our cancer services and working with NHS boards to drive improvements.

“We’re treating more patients with cancer on time within both standards compared to 10 years ago.

"Despite this, there will always be instances where some patients wait longer depending on their health, complexity of disease and agreed treatment plan.”