A healthcare planning body has published figures claiming it has improved waiting times for cancer referrals from GP’s to almost 90 per cent which has received praise from a government minister.


Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said it had improved its referral targets by 88.5 per cent in the period between September and November 2017 and been recognised by the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt. 


The national target is currently a 62 day waiting time from a GP referral for a patient suspected to have cancer.


Jeremy Hunt, said: “Moving from 72.7 per cent to 88.5 per cent is an achievement to be proud of. 


“In this sense, the CCG is a real example to others, demonstrating how to improve performance in a short space of time and ensure that your patients get the care they deserve.”


The CCG said it had ‘refocused’ its efforts on improving waiting times by ‘working closely with London North West university hospitals’ on cancer treatment within 62 days, by improving the access to treatment with ‘increased staffing levels’.


On moving people through the system more quickly by determining positive cancer patients more effectively, Harrow CCG said it had ‘improved cancer service via GP education, early diagnosis and referral’.


Dr Amol Kelshiker, Chair of Harrow CCG said: “We are committed to providing our patients and local population with exceptional healthcare. 


“The early diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a fundamental area of focus for us and is crucial to achieving high survival rates for those diagnosed with cancer. 


“We welcome the commendation from the Secretary of State for Health and are determined to sustain and build-upon the improvements we have made.”


One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Harrow CCG will be working with other healthcare commissioners on ways to improve waiting time targets.