§ 27. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate a study into cancer treatment services in the light of the consideration being given by the North-East Thames regional health authority to the centralisation of such services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeAn expert working group of the standing sub-committee on cancer of my Department's Standing Medical Advisory Committee has already considered the organisation or acute hospital services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The main aim of the report was to offer practical guidance on the effective use of resources to achieve maximum benefit for cancer patients. It was distributed to all health authorities in October 1984 under cover of health notice HN(84)23, which asked them to bring the report to the attention of all staff concerned with the care of cancer patients and to consider its implications in the future planning and organisation of services for cancer. A copy is in the Library. Another expert working group of the standing sub-committee on cancer is preparing a report on primary care services for cancer patients.