AYRSHIRE MSP Katy Clark has said she's shocked that just 83.5 per cent of NHS Ayrshire and Arran cancer patients are not being seen within the crucial two-month window following referral for treatment.

The figures from Public Health Scotland also showed that more than a quarter of cancer patients across Scotland were waiting far too long for vital treatment.

Ms Clark said today: “These cancer waiting times are deeply concerning, particularly for patients in Ayrshire.

“This isn't just a statistic, it’s lives being put at risk.”

The Scottish Government’s target of ensuring that 95 per cent of cancer patients are seen within 62 days of referral has not been met for more than a decade.

Ms Clark, West Scotland Labour MSP, added: “This failure is emblematic of a broader crisis in our health services, and urgent action is needed. We cannot allow the SNP to continue to let down patients in this way.

“At the same time, we must recognise the immense dedication of our NHS staff, who are working tirelessly under immense pressure, with low morale, high stress levels, and far too few resources. They are the backbone of our health system, and they deserve better support.

“It’s clear that much more needs to be done to invest in cancer services, expand staffing levels, and ensure that patients receive the timely care they need. The longer we wait to address this, the more lives we put at risk.”

Cabinet secretary for health and social care Neil Gray said: “We recognise that more needs to be done to improve performance against the 62-day standard, particularly in high-volume cancer pathways like urology and colorectal.

"We are tackling these challenges head-on by investing in our cancer services and working with NHS boards to drive improvements.

“To help reduce cancer waits, the Scottish Government has made £11.3 million of cancer waiting times funding available for 2024-25, with a particular focus on improving performance in urology, colorectal, and breast cancer services.

“Additionally, £30 million has been allocated to reduce national backlogs and waiting lists with over £1.2 million directed towards diagnostics and treatment for patients referred with an urgent suspicion of cancer.

“We’re treating more patients with cancer on time within both standards compared to 10 years ago.

"Despite this, there will always be instances where some patients wait longer depending on their health, complexity of disease and agreed treatment plan.”