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NHS Workforce Levels: Impact on Cancer Patients
23 October 2025
Lead MP
Clive Jones
Wokingham
LD
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
NHSTaxationEmployment
Word Count: 10002
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Clive Jones raised concerns about nhs workforce levels: impact on cancer patients in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must prioritise early diagnosis and improved treatment by launching a new national cancer plan on World Cancer Day 2026 and increasing endoscopy and pathology capacity to improve staffing levels.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The NHS workforce levels have significant shortfalls impacting cancer patients, with shortages in consultants, nurses, radiologists, and oncologists. According to Lilly UK, only one third of NHS staff believe there are enough people for them to perform their roles effectively, while the Royal College of Radiologists reports a 29% shortfall in radiologists, or 1,670 consultants, which is set to rise to 39%, or 3,112 consultants, in five years. The shortage of MRI, CT, and PET scanners also exacerbates delays.
Clive Jones
Con
Wokingham
Summarized the debate, thanked contributors and highlighted key demands for Government to address on NHS workforce levels and impact on cancer patients.
Arthur
Con
Bournemouth East
Dr Arthur highlights Pancreatic Cancer UK's work on a new breath test that can indicate potential cancer diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of investment in research to save lives and create jobs. He encourages the hon. Member to attend future conferences to learn about such advancements.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Recognised the pressure on NHS staff and welcomed the forthcoming workforce plan, highlighting issues in haematology with vacancies outstripping filled roles by 111% in south-east England.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Highlighting the issue of staff shortages and its impact on cancer patients, emphasizing the need for a national cancer strategy that ensures every patient starts treatment within 62 days. She cited poor performance in North Shropshire with only 68.8% achieving this target in August compared to 85%. Also noted significant workforce shortages and poor working conditions contributing to staff retention issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Complimented Clive Jones on his personal experiences with cancer and emphasised that cancer affects constituents across all parts of the United Kingdom. Acknowledged the importance of seeking a cure. The hon. Member for Strangford mentioned Macmillan coffee morning and supported the campaign for better cancer care services.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol East
Acknowledged commitment to rural and coastal communities for workforce access, stated ongoing investment in clinical supervision and training is enhancing workforces across cancer and diagnostics.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Discussed workforce challenges in his region, including low staffing levels and high patient-to-GP ratios. Highlighted the need for training, retention, and staff wellbeing. Asked the Minister to elaborate on inequalities between the north and south in NHS and cancer workforce.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the work of the hon. Members in raising awareness about cancer care and highlighted the Government's commitment to a 10-year health plan focusing on community-based services, digital innovation, and prevention strategies. She also mentioned that the workforce plan will be published in spring 2026 after consulting with stakeholders, aiming for a transformed service delivery. Outlined positive steps taken by government including grant funding, training academies in imaging, endoscopy and genomics, and a national cancer plan to improve survival rates and reduce lives lost.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.