Boris Johnson today announced a new target to try to clear the mounting Covid-caused cancer backlog in the NHS - but it’ll take over a year.
“We want the vast majority of people who think they may have cancer to have a diagnosis either confirming they do or they don’t have cancer within 28 days - we want 3 in 4 to have that,” the PM said.
“We’re also saying that by March of 2023 we want nobody to be waiting more than two months.”
The targets are a major challenge for the government - but were rushed out half-baked after a full plan to tackle backlogs was delayed.
NHS England had been expected to publish a blueprint today to reduce the record 6 million patients on waiting lists for non-urgent treatment in England after the pandemic.
Speaking during a visit to the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital, the PM said: “We are now working with the NHS to set some tough targets so that we are able to deliver for the patient and also for the taxpayers. We are putting huge sums in.
“Those are very tough targets.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid insisted the publication of the blueprint had been pushed back due to Omicron surge in December and rejected claims of tensions at the top of Government.
The Treasury reportedly refused to sign off on the proposals amid concerns about value for money, according to the Telegraph.
But a source told the Mirror that the department agreed with the NHS that the plan was not ready.
Mr Javid told Sky News: "We will publish the plan shortly.
"What I would say about the Treasury is that I couldn't wish for a better partner when it comes to the challenges I have. I don't recognise that at all."
It comes as the PM desperately tries to get back on the front foot in the wake of revelations about rule-busting parties at Downing Street.
A mini-reshuffle is expected this week and Mr Johnson has hired Guto Harri as his new communications chief, after a flurry of aides quit No10 last week.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said: “The Government said it was going to come with a plan and now it hasn’t, and I think it’s yet more evidence of the chaos, incompetence, particularly of the last three or four months where everybody’s been broiled in allegations about partygate – there is a price for that, and the price is the Government not getting on with the job.
“And here we are, when we need a plan, we haven’t got one.”
Accusing Boris Johnson’s administration of being “distracted”, Mr Starmer added: “The Government saying, ‘We need more time’, is not going to cut very much ice with those people on the waiting lists.”
