"The Churchill lacks transparency, and..."

What I liked

I was seen for a two week wait appointment within the target.

What could be improved

There is a 62 day target for cancer patients. They should receive their first treatment with 62 days of referral by their GP.

At 62 days I had not even had an offer of treatment. This I received at 71 days. At that point I withdrew and was treated by Guy's in London.

The Churchill struggles with urology cancer patients. It took 14 days for my biopsies to be assessed and the results to be back with urology. I then waited five weeks to see a consultant to talk about treatment options.

I have submitted FOI requests which show that while the Churchill can get it right for almost all ladies with breast cancer, about 25 men a quarter miss the 62 day target by an average of 30 days at present. This despite "improved urology pathways" that were introduced in December 2009 (see annual report).