§ Mr. SweeneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve the provision of cancer care services. [20811]
§ Mr. RedwoodI have received the final report from the chief medical officers of England and Wales expert advisory groups on cancer "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services", which sets out a strategic framework for cancer services.
I have accepted the recommendations in that report and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
It is essential that all patients with cancer have access to high-quality, safe and effective care, and that health authorities in Wales should work together, and across their boundaries, to provide such care and support to patients, their carers and professionals involved in delivering that care.
I am delighted that Professor Ian Cameron, provost of the University of Wales, college of medicine has agreed to lead an expert group to co-ordinate and support local action to implement the expert advisory group on cancer recommendations in Wales. I expect them to consult those affected and take local opinion into account.