§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the National Cancer Forum has met; at each446W meeting what new best practice and joint working projects were established; and if he will make a statement. [94065]
§ Yvette CooperThe National Cancer Forum (NCF) was established to support the implementation of the Calman/Hine cancer blueprint and to advise on specialised issues related to cancer. The Forum has met three times on 19 February 1998, 16 September 1998 and on 25 October 1999 at which I discussed the Government's priorities for cancer. The NCF has identified the need to secure quality and consistency in cancer services through ongoing implementation of Calman/Hine, the development of national standards and performance indicators and the publication of evidence-based guidance as key priorities. Members of the NCF have been working with the Department to take specific pieces of work forward. A number of NCF members were present at the Downing Street cancer summit held in May 1999 where these priorities were ratified and a work programme and action plan agreed. In view of the new agenda set for cancer it will be necessary to reconstitute the NCF to address a revised work programme.