New Regional Waiting List for Breast Cancer Assessment Welcomed

Carla Lockhart MP • September 25, 2024

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed the announcement of a new regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment, introduced in response to the ongoing issues with waiting times across Northern Ireland. The initiative, announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, aims to provide patients access to the earliest available appointments, regardless of where they live, addressing significant disparities between health trust areas.

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.

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 
By Carla Lockhart MP October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 19, 2025
New Title
By Carla Lockhart MP October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.