WOMEN from parts of Powys were having to wait three months for breast cancer consultations that should have been done in days.
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones has now promised to investigate if patients face long waits to see a breast cancer consultant.
The Welsh Government target is that patients with suspected breast cancer must be seen, diagnosed and have started their treatment within 62 days.
But it has been revealed last year some patients had to wait a ’considerable time’ for their crucial first appointment.
Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams questioned Mr Jones in the Senedd after she said GPs in Crickhowell had told her women were having to wait more than 12 weeks to see a consultant.
In a letter to Ms Williams the First Minister said the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which runs Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital and the Royal Gwent in Newport, has, from October, reduced waits for a first outpatient appointment to 16 days.
Ms Williams, who raised the issue in the Welsh Assembly on September, 29 has urged anyone waiting more than 16 day for a consultant appointment to contact her and promised to raise their case directly with Mr Jones.
She said: "Being diagnosed with suspected cancer is a terrifying experience, to then have to wait 12 weeks to find out whether you have cancer or not, does not bear thinking about.
"12 weeks can make the difference between someone surviving breast cancer or not. So whilst I am pleased that the long wait problem does appear to have been solved, I will be keeping a close eye to ensure that these waits do not come back.
"If you, or anyone you know, has been waiting longer that 16 days to see a consultant, please get in touch with my office so I can take the case straight to the First Minister."
Mr Jones, who promised to write to Ms Williams after being questioned in the Assembly, wrote: "I am aware that last year there were a number of issues at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board that resulted in a number of patients having to wait a considerable time for their first appointment with a consultant. This was quite clearly not acceptable and officials have worked closely with the health board to ensure that the situation is addressed."
He also promised to investigate if any patient faces a lengthy wait: "I expect the improvements that have been implemented at the health board to result in further reductions for outpatient appointments.
"I hope that this reassures you that no patient is waiting for 12 weeks for a breast out-patient appointment. If you do remain concerned about any patient, then do not hesitate to send the details and I will ensure that it is investigated by the health board."
Mr Jones said steps taken by the health board to reduce waits included additional evening and weekend clinics and the appointment of a consultant breast surgeon and specialist radiographer.