Lib Dems urge Gray to apologise over cancer figures ‘spin’

The Health Secretary has been urged to apologise to patients after being accused of “spin” over cancer waiting figures.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats made the call after Neil Gray’s response to statistics that showed 68.9% of cancer patients were seen within the 62-day treatment standard in the first three months of this year – the worst performance since records began.

Mr Gray had pointed to the average waiting times, saying “the median wait time from urgent suspicion of cancer referral to treatment is 52 days, demonstrating the extensive work by staff across Scotland to treat people are quickly and effectively as possible”.

But the Scottish Liberal Democrats said that analysis by the party found that the 52-day wait itself was the worst on record.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “The SNP are fast running out of excuses.

“The Health Secretary held up the median wait of 52 days for these cancer patients, as though that shows some kind of progress, when in fact it is nothing to celebrate because that too is the worst on record.

“It has been exposed as political spin. He ought to apologise to patients.

“Catching cancer early, then treating it fast, makes the world of difference to your chances of survival.

“However, it’s been two years since the Scottish Government published its latest cancer strategy promising ‘earlier treatment’, but patients are waiting longer.

“There isn’t a moment to lose when it comes to sorting out the critical gaps in screening, diagnosis and treatment, including tech and staff.

“If cancer comes for you, you deserve to be given the best chance of survival, and under this SNP Government that’s just not happening.

“Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats will bring a real vision and a real plan for delivering the care they need.”

Last month, data from Public Health Scotland (PHS) showed 68.9% of Scots referred to the NHS with an urgent suspicion of cancer referred between January and March started treatment within 62 days, compared to 73.5% the previous quarter and 70.5% in the quarter ending in March 2024.

The figure remains well below pre-pandemic levels, with 83.7% of people having been seen within the 62-day target in the quarter ending December 2019.

The 62-day standard has not been met since the last quarter of 2012.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.