PATIENTS in and around Cheshire are being seen and treated for suspected cancer faster than the national average, according to new figures.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT), which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, has been named as one of the country’s leading trusts in terms of the proportion of cancer patients seen and treated within the expected time frames.

The latest figures published by NHS England show that in the first three months of 2015/16, 96.52 per cent of patients who were referred to hospital by their GP with suspected cancer were seen, diagnosed and treated within 62 days.

In comparison, the national average for the same period was 82 per cent.

Delyth Owen, clinical nurse manager for cancer services at MCHFT, said: “Early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of cancer, and these figures prove that we are able to see and treat our patients promptly and faster than most other hospitals in the country.

“Not only can the local community be assured that they will be seen quickly if they have a suspected cancer, but that this positive performance isn’t just a one-off as we exceeded the national standard for waiting times in 2014/15.”