§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned on the impact on cancer services(a) in Greater London and (b) the South East of the decision to designate St. Bartholomew's as a cancer centre; when the research will be published; and if he will make a statement. [91780]
§ Mr. DenhamThe National Health Service Executive's London Regional Office is undertaking a review of the planned commissioning of cancer services in North East and North Central London. The review forms part of the assessment of the current development programmes at Bartholomew's and The London NHS Trust, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust and Havering Hospitals NHS Trust. Ministers will receive a report upon the review's completion.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the Government bodies involved in formulating cancer care policies and strategies, with a brief outline of each organisation's work; and if he will make a statement. [92036]
§ Mr. HuttonWe recognise the importance of seeking expert advice to assist in the development of policy for cancer detection and care. The National Cancer Forum has been established to advise on the on-going implementation of the Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services. It includes leading cancer clinicians, specialist nurses, representatives from cancer research, voluntary and patient organisations, and regional National Health Service representation. The National Cancer Forum is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer.
The Cancer Care Action Group is a forum which brings together a larger group of voluntary organisations with the NHS Executive regional structure. It is chaired by the Chief Nursing Officer and its role is to advise, and make recommendations to the National Cancer Forum, on key issues on developments in cancer and palliative care 641W policy at a national level and the implications for voluntary sector organisations, and to represent those with cancer and their carers in so doing.
The United Kingdom National Screening Committee, chaired by Dr. Henrietta Campbell, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, advises UK Health Ministers about the introduction, modification or withdrawal of national screening programmes. The Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer Screening and the Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening are both currently chaired by Professor Martin Vessey. Their role is to advise on the development of the breast and cervical screening programmes. The Advisory Committee on Cancer registration advises on the strategy and development of the national cancer registration scheme.