Debate contribution: Breast Cancer: Waiting Times in Upper Bann

Debate contribution by Mr Jonathan Buckley on 15 October 2024.

MLA

Mr Jonathan Buckley

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

15 October 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Breast Cancer: Waiting Times in Upper Bann

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4593089

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I thank in particular my colleague Diane Dodds MLA for bringing the matter to the Chamber. It is an issue that she has championed and sought to raise awareness of during her time as DUP health spokesperson, a member of the Health Committee and an MLA for Upper Bann. As Diane rightly points out, there is an issue of urgent concern for our community in Upper Bann. Unfortunately, in our constituency, there has been a worrying trend of delays being faced by those seeking timely diagnosis and treatment. As we are all well aware, early detection of breast cancer is critical to having successful outcomes. That story has been repeated so many times. I am sure that Members across the Chamber can recount such circumstances, whether it be of family members, friends or constituents who have had that early detection and have been able to receive appropriate treatment and who, in many cases, are now living a full life because of it. Reports have consistently shown that women in Upper Bann and those being treated in the Southern Trust area wait longer than they should for breast cancer screenings, test results and follow-up appointments. In considering that, we recognise the devastating potential that delays can have on patients' physical health and, indeed, their mental and emotional well-being throughout their cancer journey. The quarterly Health and Social Care report revealed that only 14 women were treated within 62 days of an urgent GP referral, a statistic of which, collectively, we should be ashamed. Some 25 women were treated beyond 62 days of an urgent GP referral. That is just one example of the failures to ensure timely, efficient treatment. I say to the Minister that we are not here to be alarmist. Our health service, by and large, performs a fantastic job across Northern Ireland. I can recount stories of people who have accessed the system having nothing but praise for the professional service that they received. I say gently to the Minister, however, that there is a growing concern in the Southern Trust area and, in particular, in Craigavon, where some of the major issues with screening arise. My colleague Doug Beattie mentioned one of them, and a particular one is cervical cancer screening. Anybody who listens to the testimony of those families cannot but be totally moved by the journey that they have been on. There is a lack of confidence there. I am interested in whether the Minister recognises that confidence issue in the local community, and I want to know what steps the Department will take to deal with it. Members, every one of us recognises that funding is a vital part of improving our health service, but that funding must be considered and underpinned by plans put in place for reform in order to ensure that strides towards early detection and efficient treatment can take place. I welcome the recent announcement by the Health Minister of new initiatives to address the unacceptable waiting times for breast cancer services. It is absolutely necessary that we address any inadequacies in regional waiting lists and give women access to the earliest appointments that are available to them across the Province. In keeping with that, it is my hope that a wider review of breast cancer services can be completed by the Department as soon as possible. That is a point that all Members who have contributed mentioned.

I am well aware of the communities and charities in my constituency that offer so much support to those who have had a cancer diagnosis. We have many organisations and many people — they may have experienced it themselves and are giving back — helping women who find themselves in the most difficult circumstances. I have no doubt that, as they continue to give their time to help those in much need, they will provide an open door to the Minister in respect of any review, in order to ensure that services are adequate for those who are suffering. I again thank Diane Dodds for securing the Adjournment debate. Each of us is aware of the scientific advances in breast cancer treatment. It is time that we stand together and advocate for change that will, ultimately, save lives. Early detection saves lives, and timely treatment gives hope.

715 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:26 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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