§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the proposals of the Calman-Hine report; and over what period of time. [59850]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Calman-Hine report, published in 1995, set out a framework for improving the organisation and delivery of cancer services. This has been supported by the subsequent publication of evidence-based guidance for improving outcomes in breast, colorectal and lung cancer. Guidance on improving outcomes in the gynaecological cancers and cancers of the upper gastro-intestinal tract will be published in 1999. The recommendations in the guidance documents form a set of priorities that help health authorities, hospitals and other providers of care focus on areas most likely to make a difference to the outcomes of care. Substantial progress has already been made across the country in implementing the recommendations. The £10 million made available recurrently for breast cancer in 1997 and for colorectal cancer in 1998 enables targeted investment in workforce and equipment to speed access to diagnosis and treatment and improve quality of care.
Full implementation will take some 10 years and national milestones for the mid implementation period 1999–2002 are currently being worked up. This will include ongoing work in the development of national standards and work being taken forward within primary care.