East Sussex Healthcare Trust Performs well in National Lung Cancer Audit

The National Lung Cancer Audit shows the Trust performing above the national average in all the parameters of performance. In addition, the Trust exceeded the targets set by National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA).

The national audit identified that lung cancer patients treated at the Trust are more likely to receive radical curative treatment than the national average.

Dr Thanos Nakos Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Trust Lung Cancer Lead said: “This national audit highlights the tremendous collective effort by the whole multi-disciplinary lung cancer team at the Trust. We have made a steady improvement against all these indicators over the last 3-4 years. All those involved should feel proud that we are providing high quality care to our patients. It will motivate us to do even better.” 

The audit’s performance indicators showed:

• Lung cancer patients referred for Surgery was 17.9% against a national average of 17.5% and a NLCA target of 17%.
• Patients who received Anti-cancer treatment make up 61.3% against a national average of 58.2% and a NLCA target of 60%. 
• Patients who receive pathological confirmation of their cancer was 75.9% when the national average is 72.1% and the NLCA target was 75%.  One of the few Trusts that achieved above 75%.
• Patients with good performance status but advanced disease receive treatment at 72.5 % when the national average is 62.5% and a NLCA target of 65%.
• Patients with small cell lung cancer who received chemotherapy was at 73.3%, the national average is 68% and a NLCA target is 70%.
• Overall adjusted one year survival was 38.2% when the national average is 37%.