§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a centralised audit to ensure Calman-Hine plans are being implemented across the country. [50214]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 13 July 1998]: We are committed to improving the quality of and speed of access to cancer services, including breast and cervical screening and palliative care, to deliver a consistently high standard of care for all patients and thereby maximise their chance of cure and increase their quality of life. The measures set out in A First Class Service will strengthen our capacity to monitor and evaluate all aspects of care; providing information which can be used to improve standards still further. We will work with the National Cancer Forum, regional and professional groups and the voluntary sector to ensure that we meet national quality and evidence-based clinical standards within the National Service Framework for the provision of cancer screening and the ongoing implementation of the Calman/Hine recommendations.