Thursday, March 17th, 2011

New Cancer report highlights need for National Plan

NUMBER OF CANCER PATIENTS SET TO DOUBLE WITHIN 20 YEARS

 

Plaid Cymru’s Health Spokesperson, Helen Mary Jones AM, has said that a new report published by cancer charity Macmillan today (17.03.11) highlights the need for a national cancer plan.  Macmillan’s report warns that the number of people living with or after cancer in Wales is set to double over the next 20 years and describes the current system as ‘ill-equipped’ to deal with this increase. 

Helen Mary Jones AM recently launched Plaid Cymru’s cancer plan for the next Welsh government which looks to a shift in focus from treating the disease to treating the patient.  She said that Plaid Cymru recognises the need for a new and radical plan for cancer services in Wales and wants to see the introduction of a cross government approach with the focus on improving patient care. 

Plaid Cymru’s plan for cancer services will form part of the party’s manifesto for the forthcoming Welsh elections. Ms Jones said that a collaborative approach in its development and implementation would be essential.  She said that a Plaid government would bring together a panel of experts from across the NHS and the voluntary sector as well as people affected by cancer themselves under the leadership of a Director of cancer services, to develop the strategy and monitor its implementation. 

Key points in Plaid Cymru’s national cancer plan include:

-       A commitment to treat the person as well as the disease with a programme that treats cancer as a long term condition

-       Providing all cancer patients with a specialist cancer nurse

-       Collaboration with local authorities and service providers to ensure cancer patients get the social care and benefits they need

-       The introduction of co-production into cancer services – where patients and health professionals work together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes

-       Free access for patients to their medical records

Plaid Cymru Health spokesperson Helen Mary Jones AM said:

 

“The report that Macmillan has published today highlights need to change the way we deliver cancer services. The report warns that the number of people living with or after cancer is set to double over the next 20 years and it is essential that the Welsh government is prepared for that and has the systems in place to ensure that these people are properly looked after.  A long term plan is vital in making sure that advances continue to be made and that patients benefit from new and more effective research, treatments and support services.  That is why we are making a national cancer plan for Wales a key plank of our manifesto for the forthcoming Welsh elections.

 

 

“Plaid Cymru wants to introduce a cross-government approach to cancer services that encourages the health service, social services and voluntary sector to work together to design and deliver world class cancer services.  Our national cancer plan aims to reduce cancer rates, to improve survival and to ensure that people live healthy productive lives beyond the diagnosis of cancer and are supported in their choices. 

 

“A national plan for cancer services will ensure that patients are getting the services they need and that people working with cancer patients have the clarity and direction they need. Under our plan all cancer patients would be provided with a specialist cancer nurse.  With the number of people living with or after cancer set to double over the coming years, it is even more important that our cancer services in Wales are able to meet the challenges they face.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, said:

“I welcome the comprehensive policy report published by Macmillan Cancer Support today.  Plaid’s vision for a National Cancer Plan, announced earlier this year, directly reflects the needs and recommendations noted by Macmillan.

“In Wales today there are more than 100,000 people affect by cancer and I know that many people in Carmarthenshire have personal experiences with this.

“Plaid’s approach in our cancer care strategy is to focus on the wellbeing of the sufferer; not just removing the disease.  Plaid will promote an approach that treats the whole person, body and mind and will ensure patients are supported throughout and after their treatment.

 

Assembly Member and Plaid’s Director of Policy, Nerys Evans, added:

“I welcome today’s report by Macmillan Cancer support which clearly demonstrates the need for a national cancer plan.  Last month Plaid launched its national cancer plan ahead of the Welsh General Election which highlighted the need to treat the cancer patient rather than just the disease and how different bodies can work together in the interests of the patient.

It is expected that the number of people suffering with cancer will increase over the coming years and so it is even more important that our cancer services are able to meet the challenges they face.  It’s absolutely key that we get this right.”

ENDS / DIWEDD

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