CANCER waiting times at Colchester’s hospital trust were at their worst in nearly two years last month, new figures have revealed.

Papers released ahead of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust’s board of directors meeting on Tuesday show the trust only managed to treat 62 per cent of patients within 62 days last month.

And 34 possible cancer patients had to wait more than 100 days for treatment in January - an increase on the 33 recorded in December last year and the 19 in November.

Under national targets, 85 per cent of patients with suspected cancer must start their treatment within 62 days of a GP referral.

Data for each month back to April 2015 shows the figure has only ever been as low as 65 per cent, in October 2015.

Last year the percentage rate kept mainly into the 70s.

A trust spokesman said the figure for January this year still has to be validated.

February’s figure is expected to show a marked improvement.

Dr Barbara Buckley, the trust’s managing director, said: “The Trust takes the management of cancer services very seriously with all patients suspected of having cancer individually tracked on a daily basis. There are a number of reasons why there have been delays in the pathways which we are well-sighted on. We have planned with each clinical team to recover the position as quickly as possible, ensuring that patients receive the care they require in a timely way. We always aim to be open about our services.”

As a result of the figures, the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has held an investigation into 100 day breaches.

The papers also show 76.4 per cent of patients were seen in the accident and emergency department within four hours in January against the national target of 95 per cent.

Last year’s worst four hour wait figure was 71.6 in March but they were typically in the low to mid 80s.

Board members on Tuesday will also discuss a possible merger between Colchester and Ipswich hospitals.

Announced earlier this month, hospital trust leaders have announced three possible scenarios in a bid to save services, including completely merging the trusts and care or merging but only integrating some services.

It is also possible one trust could acquire the other.

Bosses’ preferred option will be put forward in July before it is implemented in April next year.

A ban on smoking at Colchester General Hospital and Essex County Hospital from March 8 is also set to be noted and agreed by the board.

The meeting will be held in the Postgraduate Medical Centre at Colchester General Hospital, beginning at 9.30am. The public are welcome.