AN AUDIT OF WAITING TIMES FOR GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS AT HAMPSHIRE HOSPITALS

Pandora Bibby, ST3, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton
Vanitha Kumar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Basingstoke Hospital, Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT).

 Introduction

Early diagnosis is one of the key determinants in survival from gynaecological malignancy. NHS England sets out well-defined timelines for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of suspected cancer symptoms.1 The implementation of a time-limited gynaecological cancer diagnostic pathway has its challenges. Our objective was to audit how closely the guidance set out by NICE3 on the recognition and referral of gynaecological cancer is adhered to at HHFT. The aim of this was to identify patterns of delays and ensure patients are seen, investigated and offered treatment as quickly as possible.