§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Cancer Care Action Group has met; at each meeting what new best practice and joint working projects were established; and if he will make a statement. [94066]
§ Yvette CooperThe Cancer Care Action Group (CCAG) was established to bring together the leading cancer voluntary organisations with the National Health Service Executive. It advises and makes recommendations to the National Cancer Forum on key issues on developments in cancer and palliative care policy at a national level and the implications for voluntary sector organisations, and represents those with cancer and their carers in so doing.
The CCAG has met twice so far, on 27 January 1999 and on 29 September 1999.
The CCAG has been consulted on the development of the New Opportunities Fund initiative for palliative care. It was also consulted on the cancer information strategy and as a result of this, CancerBacup and Macmillan Cancer Relief have joined the Departmental Steering Group which is developing the strategy.
Following the first meeting the National Council of Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care Services undertook to co-ordinate a project to scope the training and education provided by voluntary organisations. The findings were considered at the second meeting and it was agreed that they offered a good basis for considering further developments in this area.