Up to 3,000 covid-19 tests a day for patients and staff are needed to restart cancer services safely, a leading charity has warned.

Cancer Research UK says weekly testing of staff and patients when necessary is needed to protect diagnosis and treatment areas, along with enhanced infection control measures and adequate PPE.

Fewer than 3,000 tests took place yesterday across Scotland, made up of just over 2,000 by NHS labs and more than 600 in regional testing centres. Total testing capacity stands at more than 15,000.

Towards the end of April the Scottish Government struck a deal with private hospitals to treat cancer patients in a safe environment that was less exposed to covid-19.

Marion O’Neill, head of external affairs at Cancer Research UK in Scotland, says lives are being put at risk because diagnostic testing and some treatments have stalled “significantly”.

Around 16,000 referrals by GPs for urgent cancer checks have not taken place because of the virus, the charity estimates.

“To address this, we need to see covid-19 testing efforts ramp up for staff and cancer patients so everyone has confidence that diagnosis and treatment areas are safe.

“In some cases, this would lead to lives being saved. Early diagnosis can significantly improve someone’s chances of survival. It’s crucial patients don’t wait for the pandemic to be over before they receive the treatment they need. 

“This is why it’s essential we see all cancer services fully operational in Scotland. This means taking action to quickly ramp up the number of virus tests offered.”

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