Immediate Attention Needed for NHS as Somerset NHS Trust Misses Critical Cancer Treatment Target, Says Adam Dance MP

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has called for the NHS to be the top priority in the upcoming Budget after new figures revealed that Somerset NHS Foundation Trust missed its cancer treatment target in August. The Trust failed to meet the 62-day treatment standard for cancer patients referred urgently by their GP, with only 72% of patients receiving timely care—falling  short of the 85% national target.

The data showed that 92 cancer patients in Somerset were not treated within the 62-day window, an alarming statistic given the urgency of early cancer treatment in improving patient outcomes.

Adam Dance MP described the situation as a direct consequence of years of underfunding and mismanagement by the previous Conservative government, and he urged the new government to take immediate action to restore and prioritise NHS services in the upcoming Budget.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most distressing experiences anyone can face," Adam Dance said. "Heartbreakingly, many people in Yeovil and South Somerset are not receiving the urgent care they desperately need. This is unacceptable."

He went on to criticise the former Conservative administration, stating: “The Conservative government’s legacy of failure has left our local health services in tatters, and patients are paying the price. It’s clear that the new government must act decisively to fix this broken system.”

Adam Dance pledged to hold the government accountable, pushing for significant NHS investment. “I will fight to ensure that the government recognises the scale of this crisis and makes the NHS its top priority in the Budget. The people of Yeovil and South Somerset deserve health services that work.”