§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there is a teenage cancer unit which serves young people in(a) the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, (b) Teesside and (c) the Government Office north east region; and if he will make a statement on national treatments and units for teenager cancer sufferers. [115550]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle-upon-Tyne serves all teenagers diagnosed with cancer within the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, Teesside and the north east region. However, patients may be referred elsewhere for radiotherapy.
Action is being taken to help 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 also 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 (NSF) 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. The NSF will also inform guidance which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is developing on children's and adolescent cancers.