Almost 300 patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust waited longer than the NHS standard of 62 days to begin cancer treatment last year, according to the latest available figures.
Data covering the period from January to November 2025 shows that 293 patients experienced waits beyond the 62-day target, which is the timeframe considered safe by the NHS.
This represents a significant increase compared with the same period in 2024, when 22 patients waited longer than the standard, meaning the figure rose by 271 year-on-year.
The figures were highlighted following the Government’s announcement of its National Cancer Plan yesterday (4th February).
In response, Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough criticised current cancer care performance and pointed to long waits faced by patients locally and nationally.
He said:
“Cancer care is broken in our country. Too many people with cancer in my constituency are waiting months for the treatment that they desperately need, which is completely unacceptable.
“Cancer services were left on their knees by the previous Conservative government, and Labour have done little so far to end this tragedy. Action must be taken now, and the Government must finally offer hope.
“Liberal Democrats would write into law a guarantee for 100% of cancer patients to be treated within 62 days, backed by 200 new staffed radiotherapy machines and thousands of extra cancer nurses.”
The Liberal Democrats are campaigning for a guarantee that all patients begin cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, with the commitment written into law.
The party says it would aim to achieve this through the provision of 200 additional staffed radiotherapy machines, the creation of new radiotherapy centres, and the recruitment of more than 3,000 additional cancer nurses.
Tributes paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat
Plug pulled on toilet fee usage plan
Government refuses to intervene in bottled water factory expansion controversy
Mayor hails new Harrogate College campus on construction site visit
FIRST LOOK: Networking opportunity for professional women in Harrogate
Jones Myers solicitor on track to boost firm's mediation expertise
Holistic wellness centre near Harrogate to host launch event
Successful 'Makers Market' returns to Harrogate this month
Nominations now open for Local Hero Awards 2026
Burglar steals from safe at Knaresborough bookmakers
Nearly 400 objections for Killinghall village expansion
