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

NHS hiring bans in cancer units shortsighted and dangerous, doctors warn

NHS Cancer RCR England United Kingdom NHS England the Royal College of Radiologists
A radiologist on the phone while examining X-rays
The Royal College of Radiologists found half the UK’s 60 specialist cancer treatment centres could not hire clinical oncologists last year. Photograph: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images

Hospitals have banned units that diagnose and treat cancer from hiring doctors as part of an NHS cost-cutting drive, despite the growing demand for care.

Exactly half of the UK’s 60 specialist cancer treatment centres had a freeze on recruiting clinical oncologists imposed on them during 2025, more than double the 13 (23%) seen the year before.

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