Data from NHS England shows that between September 2024 and August 2025, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) only met one its cancer targets – that being patients having a diagnosis within 28 days.
The target for patients having a diagnosis with 28 days of an urgent referral is set at 75%, with ESNEFT successfully providing 75.1% of patients a diagnosis in that time frame, with the average in England being 76.6%.
Earlier this year, the trust welcomed investment into new cancer treatment technology.
However, ESNEFT failed to reach the target wait time for treatment, which is set at 31 days after diagnosis.
That target is 96% whilst 92.1% of patients at ESNEFT sites started treatment during that time, this is above the 91.3% average for England.
ESNEFT hosted a rectal cancer masterclass in April for surgeons to attend (Image: ESNEFT)
As well as that the target total wait time, from referral to treatment, of 62 days was also not met, with ESNEFT missing the 85% target by 14.8% with 70.2% of patients receiving treatment in that time.
This is also above the average for England which is 68.9%.
Karen Lough, director of elective care at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We continue to prioritise cancer care at ESNEFT and our performance is improving. We’re committed to treating everyone who is waiting for treatment quickly and safely.
“Achieving all the national cancer waiting times standards is also very important to us.
“Our teams are working hard to make sure we minimise waiting times. This includes running extra clinics and theatre lists. We regularly review all patients on our waiting lists too and watch our performance closely.
“It’s remains vitally important that you contact your GP if you have any symptoms or signs of cancer, or if something feels or looks different for you. Our teams are here to help and support you if you need to come to hospital for tests and checks.”