§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on global supply and demand of specialist cancer surgeons. [32402]
§ Mr. MaloneCancer is treated by doctors in a number of specialities. Consultants in the specialties of medical oncology, clinical oncology—radiotherapy— radiology/nuclear medicine, haematology and general surgery all treat cancer patients. However, they are not all involved full time in the treatment of cancer. In addition, other specialties are also involved in the treatment of cancer.
The Government seek to ensure an adequate supply of appropriately trained doctors in each specialty, including those involved in the treatment of cancer. This involves planning the number of doctors in higher specialist training on a specialty by specialty basis. Employment of consultants is a matter for local employing bodies, which make medical staffing decisions in the light of competing priorities and the health care needs of the local population.
On 24 April 1995, following wide consultation, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced a strategic framework for the future development of cancer services based on the report "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services", copies of which are available in the Library.