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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Denis Campbell Health policy editor

Hiring freeze at dozens of NHS cancer and diagnostic units despite rising referrals

Doctor with stethoscope around their neck
The RCR warned that freezing hiring would exacerbate delays in patient diagnosis and treatment. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA

Dozens of NHS hospitals have banned their cancer or diagnostic units from hiring new staff, despite GPs referring growing numbers of people who they fear may have the disease.

Doctors warned that widespread recruitment freezes imposed on both types of units over the last year risked undermining Keir Starmer’s drive, outlined this week, to cut waiting times for NHS care.

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