§ 26. Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce waiting times for breast cancer treatment. [77724]
§ Mr. HuttonConsiderable progress has already been made through the on-going implementation of Calman/Hine. In addition, the Government have invested £20 million over the past 18 months in breast cancer 647W services to speed access to diagnosis and treatment. Quarterly monitoring of "The New NHS" White Paper breast cancer two-week target begins on 1 April.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has assessed on the success rates of early screening programmes in treating breast cancer. [77703]
§ Mr. HuttonIn 1996–97 the national health service breast screening programme, for the first time, matched the cancer detection rate of the original Swedish clinical trial in 1986 on which it was based. The majority of these cancers were small, early cancers which are easier to treat. Based on these results, it is estimated that the programme could be saving 1,250 lives each year.
§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports he has received on errors made by the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Hospital Trust in diagnosing breast cancer; and if he will make a statement. [78939]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 26 March 1999]We are aware of the two terrible cases which have been the subject of media attention and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has written to both women to express his feelings of deep regret that they have had such an awful experience.
We have asked the regional director of public health in Trent to commission a comprehensive review of the circumstances to ensure that everything possible is done to avoid this happening again. The review team will include an expert nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists. My right hon. Friend will be kept informed of progress and will be fully appraised of the conclusions and recommendations of the review team, which will be published.