MP wants support for NHS staff 'working flat out'

Clive Jones is a governor of Reading's Royal Berkshire Hospital

A Berkshire MP said the government must do more to support NHS staff who are "working flat out" to treat people with cancer.

Clive Jones, Wokingham's Liberal Democrat MP, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and secured a debate about NHS workforce levels and their impact on cancer patients on Thursday.

Jones said 69% of patients nationally started treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral nationally, "far below" the target of 85%, which he said has not been met since 2015.

Health minister Karin Smyth said the government has ensured more staff are working within the "key cancer professions".

Jones, who is a governor of Reading's Royal Berkshire Hospital, said: "Shortfalls in the NHS workforce are no secret. Consultants, nurses, radiologists and oncologists are all working flat out to deliver care but are being held back by staff shortages, limited equipment, outdated buildings and a lack of training."

Lilly UK, a pharmaceutical firm, reported that only a third of NHS staff believe that there are enough people for them to perform their roles effectively, Jones added.

"Without investment, waiting times will lengthen, treatment delays will worsen and costs will rise," he said.

"I hope it is clear to all of us that workforce shortfalls are a massive barrier to early diagnosis and effective, timely treatment across all cancers."

Smyth, who herself has had cancer, said about 8,000 people had received training "either to enter the cancer and diagnostic workforce or to develop in their roles" in 2024/25.

"Diagnosing and treating cancer is a growing part of NHS elective activity and responding to demand in a way that best suits patients is crucial," she added.