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.
Marie Curie appeals for Harrogate volunteers this summer
Boroughbridge clinic celebrates hat-trick of industry awards
New day service for people with complex needs opens at Rossett School
Call for review after Allerton Waste Recovery Park misses targets for seventh consecutive year
Harrogate MP welcomes £2 bus fare cap but calls for further reforms
Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
