The Liberal Democrat candidate bidding to become Bishop’s Stortord’s next MP has backed a manifesto pledge to improve cancer care.
Cllr Helen Campbell said figures show 334 patients in East and North Herts waiting more than two months to start treatment.
Her party wants a new legal right to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral as part of a plan to boost survival rates and improve treatment for those affected by the disease.
The latest NHS figures show that, in the last year, over 100,000 cancer patients in England were left waiting more than 62 days to start treatment after an urgent referral, including 334 in East and North Herts.
This means only 83% of patients in the area were treated within two months, missing the current Conservative Government target of 85%.
Launching the Liberal Democrat election manifesto this week, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey proposed an extra £8.4 billion a year for NHS and social care.
The Liberal Democrat plan to boost cancer survival rates includes increasing the number of radiotherapy machines across the country, cutting the time for groundbreaking new medicines to reach patients, a new cancer research law, and improved support for cancer patients and their families.
The policy builds on existing health proposals from the party, including introducing a right to see a GP within a week and expanding NHS dentistry.
Herts County Cllr Campbell said: “Everyone knows someone whose life has been turned upside down by cancer.
“Far too many people are waiting far too long for a diagnosis, or to start treatment after being diagnosed. We must do right by them and get them the care they need when they need it.
“The Liberal Democrats would give cancer patients a new, legal right to treatment within two months of an urgent referral, to make sure they get the timely care they deserve. This forms part of our ambitious plan to end unacceptable cancer delays and boost survival rates.”
Candidates in Hertford and Stortford are (in alphabetical order of surname): John Burmicz – Reform; Helen Campbell – Lib Dem; Nick Cox – Green; Josh Dean – Lab; Jane Fowler – Alliance for Democracy and Freedom; Barry Hensall – Heritage Party - Freedom, Family, Nation; Julie Marson – Con.