§ Sir Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that teenagers diagnosed with cancer gain appropriate access to medical treatment and care; and if he will make a statement on the number of hospitals which provide dedicated care facilities for teenagers suffering from cancer. [96943]
§ Ms BlearsWe are taking action to meet the specific needs of teenagers with cancer. We are providing funding through the national cancer research network to enable more teenage cancer patients to enter trials of the latest treatments. In addition we are looking at how teenagers can participate in the design of health services centred around their particular needs. This is being addressed through the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health. The contribution of patients will also be reflected in the forthcoming national service framework for children, young people and maternity services which will drive up standards of care in all health and social care settings for all children and young people. We hope to publish the first module on hospital services shortly. The national service framework will also inform guidance the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is developing on children's and adolescent cancers.
We do not hold details of all services centrally but are aware of at least eight units dedicated to teenage cancer patients in the national health service.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals have wards specialising exclusively in cancer in teenagers. [97804]
506W
§ Ms BlearsWe do not hold details of all services centrally but we are aware of eight units dedicated to teenage cancer patients in the following National Health Service trusts:
Middlesex Hospital, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, London;
University College Hospital, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, London;
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust;
Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester;
Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust;
St James's University Hospital. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust;
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust;
Alder Hey Hospital, Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust.