A NEW fast-track appointments system has reduced waiting times for cancer patients, according to latest figures.

Under NHS guidelines, specific targets have been introduced to reduce waiting times for patients suspected to be suffering from cancer.

A specialist should receive a GP's referral within 24 hours of the patient consultation, and urgent appointments should be given within two weeks.

In response to the targets, Sunderland's GP surgeries and hospitals have developed a joint system, and the monthly figures for the first quarter of the year show that it was 99 per cent successful.

The result puts Sunderland above the national average for meeting the targets.

Dr Henry Choi, of Southwick Health Centre, who is responsible for ensuring that GPs take the appropriate action in suspected cancer cases, said: "Access to specialist assessment and urgent diagnosis is crucial in identifying problems and determining appropriate courses of treatment.

"Previously published performance tables were misleading and based on historical data.

"The latest figures show that significant progress has been made to speed up the appointment process to ensure that patients receive prompt action."

Dr Howell Clague, lead clinician for cancer services at Sunderland's hospitals, said: "Improvements in patient flow between primary and secondary care should lead to better patient satisfaction."