Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that the (a) 10-Year Cancer Plan and (b) other strategic documents are fit for purpose for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients on active monitoring whose needs are different from people undergoing treatment.

We are currently analysing the responses received to the call for evidence to develop the 10 Year Cancer Plan, which will be published later this year. The Plan will set out how we will improve cancer services, including for those patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

NHS England and NHS Improvement have committed to ensure that every patient has access to a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). In 2021/22, Health Education England invested an additional £52 million to develop the cancer and diagnostics workforce, which included training opportunities for 754 existing and aspiring CNS. The 2019 Cancer Patient Experience Survey found that 89% of nearly 10,000 respondents with haematological cancers reported that they were given access to a CNS who would support them through their treatment. Data from Cancer Alliances in March 2021 showed that approximately 83% of all cancer multi-disciplinary teams had implemented Personalised Care and Support Planning based on Holistic Needs Assessments. NHS England and NHS Improvement have requested that Cancer Alliances identify any gaps in mental health provision as part of the 2022/23 Planning Guidance. NHS England and NHS Improvement are also supporting adults experiencing cancer with access to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies mental health services.