Covid-19 Cancer Care and Treatment 2021-02-23
2021-02-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the recent assessment of the impact of the pandemic on cancer services, noting that it is crucial for patients' timely access to treatment.
What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on cancer care and treatment?
The tremendous efforts of our NHS cancer workforce are helping to ensure that those who need treatment can continue to access it without delay. The NHS has established covid-secure cancer hubs, consolidated surgery, centralised triage to prioritise patients based on clinical need, and utilised the independent sector for capacity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned whether more than 30,000 people are missing a diagnosis of cancer compared with 2019. He asked about the commitments in the renewed cancer recovery plan.
With more than 30,000 people missing a diagnosis of cancer compared with 2019 and the cancer recovery plan expiring at the end of March, what are the Minister's commitments to beat the backlog after March? How will a renewed cancer recovery plan help meet ambitions for cancer care?
Once people come forward, there is a speedy path to treatment. Every single trust has been given a target to produce a plan for ongoing assessment of how it is addressing the backlog going forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitments or new funding details beyond existing plans.
Under Review
Ongoing Efforts
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that Macmillan Cancer Support estimates more than 40,000 people are missing a cancer diagnosis across England. He requested additional funding to catch these cases.
Macmillan Cancer Support estimates more than 40,000 people are missing a cancer diagnosis across England, including around 60 in my constituency of Birkenhead. Can the Minister tell me what additional funding will be made available to ensure that missed cancer diagnoses are caught as soon as possible?
The latest official data for December suggests two-week wait GP urgent referrals were 7% higher than the same month last year, and urgent referrals for cancer were 151% higher in April. The NHS is straining every sinew to ensure that cancer services not only recover but go on and deliver more care.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific additional funding details beyond current efforts.
Ongoing Efforts
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted staff shortages before the pandemic causing increased waiting times. He asked if extra resources have been requested to deal with the backlog.
Given the size of the backlog, cancer services will need extra resources to go above and beyond pre-pandemic levels for a significant period of time. Has the Minister asked for these resources?
Cancer has been prioritised with funding throughout the pandemic, including £325 million investment in radiotherapy equipment and a £160 million initiative for safer cancer treatments. The NHS received billion pounds targeted at driving down cancer backlogs.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy