Carla Lockhart said: 

“This is a much-needed step to address the unacceptable waiting times women have faced for breast cancer assessments. No woman should have to wait longer simply because of where she lives, and this initiative will ensure patients can access the care they need more quickly. The latest figures show that only 34.1% of urgent referrals were seen within 14 days, which is alarming and must be improved.”

The minister has also announced a wider review of breast cancer services, to be conducted with input from clinicians, patients, and cancer charities. This review will look at how breast cancer assessment, surgery, and aftercare can be delivered more effectively, with a focus on specialist care being centralised, but follow-up care provided closer to home.

Carla Lockhart continued: 



“I am particularly encouraged by the focus on aftercare and chemotherapy being delivered as close to home as possible. It is important that while specialist services may require travel, ongoing care and support are accessible locally, reducing the burden on patients and their families. Within my constituency Craigavon Area Hospital has an exemplary breast care department. I would want to see it bolstered given medical expertise that exists and the superb wrap around care they have provided to thousands of women.”

The regional waiting list and review are part of the broader changes expected in Northern Ireland’s health system, with a new hospital reconfiguration framework due to be published soon.