Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

feel completely let down

Posted By Joefg84

"feel completely let down"

About: South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust / Regional Breast Cancer Assessment Booking Service

(as a service user),

Following discovery of a concerning breast lump, I was referred by my GP as a red flag referral. As per guidelines, I should have been assessed within 2weeks. 

Other than text confirmation of receipt of referral, I received no communication from the Trust/Service. After almost 4weeks waiting, I googled and found an info leaflet (which was not shared with me) and phoned the apt line. I was advised there’s a current 8 week wait. This is completely unacceptable given the risks. I feel completely let down. 

I appreciate the intention behind the establishment of a regional service, in relation to fairness and equity, however I feel this removes Trusts individual corporate responsibility to ‘manage their own’ waiting list and removes all accountability. 

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from MaryJo Thompson, Assistant Director, Cancer, LVH and Outpatient Services, South Eastern HSC Trust 3 weeks ago
MaryJo Thompson
Assistant Director, Cancer, LVH and Outpatient Services,
South Eastern HSC Trust

Submitted on 10/11/2025 at 12:21
Published on Care Opinion at 12:21

Good afternoon Joefg84,

Unfortunately, breast services throughout the region are under significant pressure due to increased demand and workforce issues. The Department of Health continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for symptomatic breast appointments.

In September 2024, in response to regional disparities in breast assessment waiting times across Trusts, the Minister announced the development of a single regional waiting list for breast cancer assessments. This system, which became operational on 8 May 2025, was designed to ensure that all patients across Northern Ireland have access to the earliest available appointment, regardless of their home Trust.

While this regional approach aims to equalise waiting times and improve fairness, it does not in itself reduce the overall waiting time. The current regional waiting time for breast assessment is approximately 7 weeks and 2 days.

We acknowledge that this is far from ideal, particularly for patients referred under the ‘red flag’ pathway. The Department has an action plan in place to address lengthy waiting times - the Elective Care Framework (ECF). An investment has been earmarked for increasing HSC Trust Breast Services. Work is ongoing with Trusts to increase capacity through additional clinics and workforce planning.

The Department continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to improving access to timely and appropriate care.

I fully appreciate that this is a difficult and concerning time for you and your family and we apologise that the service is not meeting your needs at present; but please be assured that the clinical and administrative teams continue to review all processes and options on a daily basis to expedite patients from having to wait longer than necessary.

Mary Jo Thompson

AD Cancer, LVH and Outpatient Services

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Joefg84 (a service user)

Thank you for your response. I must express my disappointment, as the reply feels impersonal and appears to be a generic copy-and-paste statement—one I could easily find on the Department of Health website. It does not acknowledge or reflect my personal experience, the impact these delays have had on me, or the very real anxieties they’ve caused.

This approach seems at odds with the philosophy of CareOpinion and that in which your service claims to uphold, which I had hoped would include compassion, responsiveness, and a genuine effort to understand individual circumstances.

I trust that the complaints department will offer a more thoughtful and considered response, and I look forward to engaging with them directly.

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k