How long patients are expected to wait for their first appointment with a specialist after an urgent referral by their general practitioner…

The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) criteria for breast cancer services standards, state:Essential a minimum of 70% of patients referred to a symptomatic clinic are seen within four weeks from date of GP referral.Desirable a minimum of 80% of patients are seen within two weeks from date of GP referral. In March 2002, the CSBS published their National Overview of Breast Cancer Services alongside 17 local reports on service provision for breast cancer services in Scotland. These are available from www.clinicalstandards.orgIn May 2002 Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer were distributed throughout NHSScotland. A copy is available from:www.scotland.gov.uk and www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/cancerinscotland.