During the Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, 11 September, Ed Davey MP highlighted that in the last year, over 100,000 cancer patients waited over 62 days to begin treatment following an urgent referral. 

 Even Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, one of the highest performing hospitals in the country, saw 288 patients in the last year wait over 62 days for treatment.

Kingston Hospital is one of the highest performing hospitals in the country (Image via Google)

Only 79% of patients in the area were treated within two months, below the target of 85%. 

 The Liberal Democrats have previously called for an emergency Health and Care Budget to support local services in places such as Kingston and Surbiton, and guarantee patients a legal right to start cancer treatment within 62 days of urgent referral. 

 The Kingston and Surbiton MP and Leader of the Liberal Democrats asked the Prime Minister: "When it comes to fighting cancer, we know all too well that every day counts. 

"In the last year of the last Government, over 100,000 patients waited more than two months just to start their urgent cancer treatment- the worst on record."

 He continued: "Will the Prime Minister help boost cancer survival rates by guaranteeing that every patient can start their cancer treatment within 62 days?"

 Ed Davey told Kingston Nub News: "Like all constituents, I have always been impressed by the services Kingston Hospital provides our community. 

 "The fact that even Kingston Hospital is unable to meet government cancer treatment targets shows how the previous Conservative government has damaged our NHS. 

 "It is vital that the government do everything they can to guarantee cancer patients in our community get the treatment they need, as soon as they need it."

The Liberal Democrats' manifesto plan to boost cancer survival rates includes:

 Introducing a guarantee that 100% of patients will be able to start treatment within 62 days from urgent referral.

 Replacing aging radiotherapy machines and increasing their number, so no one has to travel too far for treatment.

 Recruiting more cancer nurses so that every patient has a dedicated specialist supporting them throughout their treatment.

 Passing a Cancer Survival Research Act requiring the Government to coordinate and ensure funding for research into the cancers with the lowest survival rates.

 Halving the time for new treatments to reach patients by expanding the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's capacity.

 Launching a new prostate cancer screening programme for those at higher risk.