Waiting boost for cervical cancer tests

WOMEN in Solihull will get cervical cancer results sooner under a pilot project.

Results from tests at Solihull, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals will be available in 14 days.

Bosses say this will mean treatment will start sooner if needed.

Karen Tomlinson, cervical screening co-ordinator at Heartlands, said: “This really is an exciting development which will help us in our fight against cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in the Midlands for women under 35.

“Being screened regularly means that any abnormal changes in the cervix can be identified early on and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing.

“It is estimated that early detection and treatment can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing.”

All women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for cervical screening. Click here for more.

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Most NHS patients meet crunch waiting target

MOST NHS patients in Solihull are seen within 18 weeks, meeting a major Government waiting time target, figures show.

Of 19 out of 20 specialities this target was between 87.7 per cent to 100 per cent of patients seen in this time.

The worst scoring was neurology. Two patients were sent for treatment and one waited more than 18 weeks.

The broad target was introduced by Labour to guarantee a minimum level of waits.

Some medical conditions must be seen quicker, for example those with suspected cancer must wait no more than two weeks for a first appointment.

The figures relate to Solihull Care Trust, which decides where NHS cash is spent.

Most patients are likely to have attended Solihull Hospital but could have chosen to go elsewhere.


Click the picture below to see the full figures: