Decline in NHS Lothian Seeing Cancer Patients Within the Target Time

That the Parliament notes with alarm reports of a concerning decline in the number of cancer patients in the Lothian region who are seen within the 62-day target period by the NHS; understands that the percentage of people seen within this timeframe has declined each year since June 2016 and is now only 74.1%, believes that this is the lowest of any region; acknowledges that survival rates for cancer are higher when it is caught and treated early, and believes therefore that the Scottish Government must urgently ensure that NHS Lothian is adequately funded and resourced so that more patients can be treated earlier.