Bridget Fox demands faster breast cancer referrals for Islington women

2.39.00pm GMT Tue 17th Nov 2009

Bridget Fox campaigns for better breast cancer referrals with local Councillors and campaigners

Bridget Fox, Islington South and Finsbury's Shadow MP, has called on the Government to ensure Islington women are screened and seen quicker when at risk from breast cancer. Shocking figures show that here in Islington, less than 40% of women who are referred for potential breast cancer are seen by a specialist within 2 weeks.

From April to June this year just 12% of women who were referred to a specialist actually got to see one within the vital 2 weeks after their initial diagnosis.

Bridget Fox said:

"Two weeks' delay for a woman with late-diagnosed breast cancer could mean the difference between life and death. The quicker the referral, the better the chances and choices for women. No woman should face agonising chemotherapy or risk losing a breast because of bureaucratic delays.

Back in 2005, the Labour government announced that all women would be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks; years later here in Islington South and Finsbury, the NHS is still struggling to meet that target. Doctors and nurses do an amazing job, yet local women are losing out.

The Government has tied up our NHS in red tape instead of helping frontline services deliver. They have let Islington down. I am campaigning to get the best possible NHS services for local people."