A hospital trust has failed to meet urgent cancer referral targets for over two years, according to new data.

Princess Alexandra Hospital has consistently failed to meet targets for seeing patients urgently for suspected cancer since May 2020.

Data examined by the PA news agency shows the number of hospitals failing to hit the national target for cancer referrals is the highest it has been for at least three years.

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In England, the maximum waiting time for a hospital appointment for suspected cancer is two weeks from the day the hospital receives a referral letter from a GP.

According to the NHS in England 93% of patients should be seen within this timeframe.

However, data from August 2019 to August 2022 shows this target is routinely not being met.

Naser Turabi from Cancer Research UK said: “Any cancer waiting times target that is missed is unacceptable.

Epping Forest Guardian: The trust says it is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive a diagnosis at the earliest opportunityThe trust says it is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive a diagnosis at the earliest opportunity (Image: PA)

“However, this target should be a minimum standard. The fact that it is now not being met just goes to show how strained our health service has become.”

He added that people should not be discouraged from seeking a referral “It’s also important to remember that it’s better to be on a waiting list than to sit at home with symptoms”.

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust CEO Stephanie Lawton said: “We are committed to supporting patients through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with high quality care.

Epping Forest Guardian: Several hospital trusts in England have only met their target once in the last three yearsSeveral hospital trusts in England have only met their target once in the last three years (Image: PA)

“Teams across the hospital are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive a diagnosis at the earliest opportunity and are then supported holistically with the physical and emotional challenges that can present during treatment for cancer.

“We make every effort to ensure that our patients undergo their diagnostic tests and treatment quickly.

“Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant increase in demand for our services, we continue to urgently focus on enhancing the experience of patients, working to ensure faster pathways for diagnosis of cancer.”

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust never reached the target during the three years.