Statement on cancer care coverage

Statement in response to media coverage on Monday, 8 January about cancer surgery cancellations: 

North Bristol NHS Trust Chief Executive, Maria Kane, said: “Unfortunately, due to an administrative error, the data we submitted was inaccurate and includes many instances where operations were not cancelled but did not go ahead for a variety of reasons. As such, the published figure does not reflect the reality of cancer care at North Bristol NHS Trust.

“There are many reasons this may occur - most notably when a patient decides not to go ahead with the procedure. This is just one example where data was included but should not have been. This was our error, and we apologise for it.

“Cancer care is one of our highest priorities and will remain so. In the year ahead we will continue to improve and ensure that we deliver outstanding care for everyone who needs it.”