Countess of Chester Hospital leads England in faster cancer diagnosis
The Countess of Chester Hospital, which serves Chester, Ellesmere Port, North Wales and surrounding areas, has been named the best in England for quickly diagnosing bowel cancers for four months in a row – a remarkable achievement considering that just two years ago, far fewer patients were being seen within national waiting time standards.
In April 2023, only 31 out of every 100 patients got their results within four weeks. By July 2025, that number had jumped to 93 out of 100 – a huge improvement. This is part of the NHS’s Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). It means people who are referred for suspected cancer should get a clear answer – either a diagnosis or the all-clear – within 4 weeks.
Within this journey, Endoscopy aims to book patients for their procedure within two weeks of the request, ensuring national standards for timely diagnosis are met and often exceeded.
The cancers involved are in the lower part of the digestive system – like the colon, rectum, and anus. These are some of the most common and serious cancers in the UK. Diagnosing them early can save lives.
For patients, this means:
- Less time waiting and worrying
- Quicker treatment, which can help people get better faster
- Better chances of survival
- Clearer and kinder care, with fewer delays
This achievement is especially important for communities who are most affected by bowel cancer. People living in more deprived areas – and those from Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds – are more likely to be diagnosed late or through emergency routes. Men are also slightly more likely than women to develop bowel cancer.
By improving how quickly patients are seen and diagnosed, the Countess of Chester Hospital is helping to close the gap and make cancer care fairer for everyone.
Pippa Scott-Heale, Divisional Director of Planned Care at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:“This success is thanks to the incredible efforts of our diagnostics, gastroenterology and cancer care teams, who have worked tirelessly to improve how quickly patients are seen and supported. We are proud to share this news at a time when we know some people may feel uncertain about the hospital. It shows that in key areas – like cancer care – we are delivering excellent results.
“Being named the best in England for quick bowel cancer diagnosis is a big moment, especially given where we were just two years ago on this, and the long-standing challenges we’ve faced. It proves that even in tough times, we can achieve great things, and that we remain determined to keep improving for every member of our community.”
This success for cancer pathways is a sign that the local NHS Trust is working hard to improve services and outcomes for patients every day.
Proud of this achievement, the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust will keep working to make care better for everyone including providing some of the best cancer care in the country.
The work of Sophie Kirkham, pictured, has been central to this achievement.By personally booking over 3,000 endoscopy procedures in the past year – most for suspected cancers – and ensuring almost every patient was scheduled within the national 14-day standard, Sophie played a key role in cutting waiting times to just two weeks.
