UNACCEPTABLE delays in diagnosing cancer 'could be significantly impacting' on the survival rates for some patients in Cumbria, a new report reveals.

The Healthwatch Cumbria (HWC) study published yesterday (Wednesday) highlights in some cases patients visited their GP five times before being referred to a specialist - well outside the 14-day national guideline.

HWC chief David Blacklock said: "While on the whole, Cumbria compares favourably to the rest of the UK, I am deeply concerned about the delays and the lack of compassion and consistency of services that some patients are experiencing."

Other concerns raised into cancer services in the county included 'poor' communication between primary care and acute trusts, 'ineffective' communication between specialists or consultants and patients, and delays in transferring medical records.

Mr Blacklock added: "It would appear that some people are not getting referred to specialists quickly enough so that they can receive an appropriate diagnosis; this coupled with delays in tests and subsequent results, poor administrative systems and a lack of co-ordination means that patients are not getting the service that we all have the right to expect."

Compiled from 228 responses from people across the county, the report was prompted after HWC became increasingly aware of the number of public concerns regarding cancer care in Cumbria.

These were raised by patients and families through a variety of means including direct contact, email and via the Independent Advocacy Service for NHS complaints service, as well as from the Department of Health and via Healthwatch England.

In 'most cases' patients were not seen by a specialist within the guideline 14-day timescale.

Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal had the highest number of respondents (11 per cent) waiting more than a month for a diagnosis confirmation.

"Any delay can lead to a delay in getting essential treatment," added Mr Blacklock. "We've got some empathy for GPs as it's a difficult job but patients should be sent to a specialist.

"The entire system is under pressure in Cumbria."

Sue Smith, executive chief nurse at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, said: “We continue to improve and all our cancer targets have been hit in the last three months however, there are some areas of concern which show us we need to make further changes to improve."

Dr Hugh Reeve, interim chief clinical officer for the CCG, said: “Our priority is to improve the health economy of Cumbria and we are working hard to instigate the changes needed to ensure delivery of robust, safe, high quality and affordable services. The key message here is that early diagnosis is vital in the fight against cancer and we need to ensure our clinical staff are trained in recognising symptoms.”

A number of recommendations have been made including that NHS England carries out a review of GP assessment and referral practice, service providers make necessary improvements to ensure that diagnosis is confirmed within 14 days and medical records are available for all treatments, appointments and consultations.