AQW 6325/16-21

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 27/10/2016
Answered On Date: 28/11/2016
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of red flag referrals from GPs for suspected ovarian cancer over the last six months; and the number that did not meet the target waiting time of two weeks, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

My Department’s target for red flag GP referrals to be seen within 14 days refers to those for breast cancer only. However, the target waiting time for all cancer states that, “at least 95% of patients urgently referred with a suspected cancer, should begin their first definitive treatment within 62 days.”

The number of red flag referrals for suspected ovarian cancer is not available. However, between January and June 2016, 22 patients commenced treatment for ovarian cancer following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer, with five of those patients waiting longer than 62 days for their treatment. Due to the small numbers involved and to avoid personal disclosure, it is not possible to provide a breakdown by Health and Social Care Trust.