Homerton among top NHS trusts for cancer wait times but falls short of key target

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust ranked fifth of 121 NHS trusts. Photograph: Courtesy of the Homerton

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was among the top NHS trusts for cancer waiting times in England but still fell short of one key target.

Ranked fifth out of 121 trusts in England, according to a report by the BBC, the trust is close to meeting all of its cancer-related targets. A key metric by which hospitals are assessed is the length of time it takes for cancer treatment to begin after referral. 

Between September 2024 and August 2025, Homerton began cancer treatment for 84 per cent of patients within 62 days, falling just short of the NHS’ target of 85 per cent and surpassing the national average of 68.9 per cent. Only three trusts nationwide met this target.

A Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Spokesperson said: “We are pleased to be ranked so highly for our performance in achieving waiting time targets for cancer patients.

“Behind these outstanding results is a team of clinical and administrative staff who are committed to ensuring that cancer patients get their diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.”

Research published in the BMJ showed that every four-week delay in cancer treatment reduced patient survival by between six and 13 per cent. 

The NHS have set key targets to meet these needs. Hospitals should:

• diagnose or rule out cancer in 75 per cent of cases within 28 days of urgent referral;
• start treatment in 96 per cent of cases within another 31 days;
• make sure the whole process takes no longer than 62 days in 85 per cent of cases.

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is currently meeting the first two targets, with cancer diagnosed or ruled out for 79.4 per cent of patients within 28 days and 99.3 per cent starting treatment within 31 days of the decision to do so.

They have also made significant progress towards the third target; the Citizen found the number of patients treated within 62 days of referral had increased from 78 per cent over the last year.

The trust provides diagnostic services for all cancers but refers Hackney patients to nearby services, including Barts Health NHS Trust and University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Trust, for ongoing oncology treatment and some surgeries.

Neither trust ranked as highly, with UCLH coming in at 33rd and Bart’s at 68th. Both were more than 10 per cent off the 62-day target.

A UCLH spokesperson said: “We have been set a faster diagnosis standard by NHS England to diagnose at least 80 per cent of patients within 28 days from referral and treat at least 75 per cent of patients within 62 days of referral. 

“We have already met both standards set as interim measures as we recover activity post-Covid and continue to identify ways to meet the national standard of 85 per cent as soon as possible.”

Barts Health NHS Trust has been approached for comment.

It is an unequal picture across the country, with nearly one in four trusts missing all three targets over the past 12 months. This leaves many patients facing the prospect of a longer wait to be diagnosed and treated based on where they live. 

Dr Anthony Cunliffe, Lead Medical Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Right now, cancer care in the UK isn’t fair. As a GP, it’s tough to see just how many people are facing delays to diagnosis, treatment and care.

“The health system is under immense pressure and care can vary significantly depending on who you are or where you live. It’s unacceptable.”

In their election manifesto last year, Labour committed to reducing the number of lives lost to cancer. The government is yet to announce their promised National Cancer Plan which will set out how they plan to fulfil this promise, but it is expected before the end of the year. 

Dr Cunliffe said: “Everyone with cancer deserves the best care the UK has to offer. We’re determined to make this a reality by working with the UK Government on the National Cancer Plan, to transform what it is like to be a cancer patient in England.”

Macmillan Cancer Support Line is open every day from 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 00 00, or visit www.macmillan.org.uk for information, support, and guidance.