Part of 2. 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport – in the Senedd at 3:07 pm on 5 October 2016.
On the particular part of neuroendocrine tumours, we do have a path forward where there is clinical leadership and a recognition of what we need to do. We’re awaiting the outcome from the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee. I think you’re asking a much broader question about cancer services in general. Of course, I indicated yesterday—I’m not sure if you were back at the time—that the cancer delivery plan is being refreshed. It’ll be launched before the end of the calendar year and that does provide both service leadership and clinical leadership. And importantly, the third sector is involved in that too.
The challenge is whether we have a national clinical lead indicated, and whether that will really drive improvement. But I think that, given the work that has been done on that refresh and given the—. In the clinical community in Wales in cancer services, there’s actually a real unity of purpose that I think the delivery plan process has helped us to deliver. So, I don’t think it’s about a national clinical lead for this area or having a particular oncologist appointed. It’s really about saying: when we get that plan, how do we deliver it at pace and at consistency, and what reforms do we need to make about the way we deliver those services, both in primary care, with primary care oncology support, as well as what we need to do in secondary care and over the whole pathway? So, there’s lots for us to go at and I’m optimistic that we can do that over the course of this term and have not just better access, but better outcomes for people here in Wales as well.