Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Cancer Care and Treatment

Tuesday 23 February 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The NHS has established covid-secure cancer hubs and consolidated surgery to manage the impact of the covid-19 outbreak on cancer care.
  • Every NHS trust has been tasked with producing a plan for ongoing assessment of how it addresses the backlog in cancer care.
  • The NHS has received billions of pounds targeted at reducing cancer backlogs, including a 325 million investment in radiotherapy equipment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mick Whitley
NHS
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.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on cancer care and treatment?

Answer from Jo Churchill (Minister)

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.

Answered
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Q2 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill (Minister)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or new funding details beyond existing plans.

How: Under Review, Ongoing Efforts

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Q3 Mick Whitley
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill (Minister)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific additional funding details beyond current efforts.

How: Ongoing Efforts

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Q4 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill (Minister)

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.

Answered
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