Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said an Executive is needed now to work together to fully implement the cancer strategy.

Speaking after meeting cancer support charity Macmillan, the party’s health spokesperson said:

“Cancer patients are suffering while waiting on the implementation of the cancer strategy.

“We often hear about waiting lists leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. However, behind the statistics are people and their families living with the reality of what that means.

“The cancer strategy needs to be more than just reducing waiting times. It also needs to ensure there is a joined-up approach to care and support for every patient and their family which is appropriate and compassionate.

“Today I listened to the lived experiences of cancer patients and their families. They desperately need the Assembly and the implementation of the new cancer strategy.

“Cancer patients are suffering because of long waiting times, under pressure primary care services and a lack of joined-up work in the health service meaning they are not receiving the best possible treatment.

“Part of the cancer strategy is about palliative and end-of-life care. Patients and their families need this to be improved to ensure additional trauma is not caused by a lack of understanding, compassion or services.

“Cancer patients and their families cannot wait; they shouldn’t have to come to meet MLAs and bare their soul at a time when they are already going through so much.

“These patients and families need the Assembly and Executive restored now and parties working together to invest in life-saving and life-changing services.”