The South Belfast MLA said: “What we are continuing to see is people being left in a very difficult situation without access to the right treatment at the right time. Without focusing on proper resourcing and transformation of services, alongside a comprehensive cancer strategy, we will not see this changed. This must be an absolute priority for every elected representative.
“We need to be clear that these statistics are not just on a page. They are evidence of the very real human cost of administrative and political failure.
“It is time those charged with the responsibility of government stopped playing games and got on with the job they are tasked to do. They may usefully start with showing respect for cancer patients, and for the needs of the Health Service in general.”