Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Jackson of Peterborough Excerpts

Tuesday 8th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

[Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con)]

10. What steps he is taking to improve NHS cancer services.

[Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)]

13. What steps he is taking to improve NHS cancer services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Paul Burstow]

I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for that question, because part of that pace is, of course, due to the fact that a substantial part of the country is now covered by pathfinder GP consortia, many of which are actively engaging with their colleagues in cancer networks and developing the expertise and experience that will be essential in taking forward their commissioning responsibilities. We have already made it clear that funding will be available in the coming year for the commissioning networks for cancer and that after that it will be a matter for the NHS commissioning board.

[Mr Stewart Jackson]

Cancer specialists at Peterborough City hospital tell me that they are prevented from prescribing drugs to needy patients, even after accreditation by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, as a result of the necessity for further approval by their local primary care trusts. Will the Minister undertake to tackle that bureaucratic delay, as it is having a significant impact on clinical outcomes in my constituency?

[Paul Burstow]

There are several aspects to my hon. Friend’s question. One is that we need to see much more commissioning for outcomes in cancer services. We must also ensure that full advantage is taken of the cancer drugs fund. I would be happy to look at any specific details of the case he has mentioned if he cares to write to me.