Cancer: focus on patients not targets
The Western Mail recently
reported that cancer specialists in Wales have backed a call by
Plaid Cymru’s spokeswoman for a “radical shift” in the way support
for sufferers is delivered in Wales.
19 | 11 | 10
Helen Mary Jones AM for Llanelli urged that
patients should be the focus of cancer services not targets.
She advocated a “new, national vision” for cancer service in Wales
with key proposals including dedicated nurses for cancer
patients. Such a dedicated nurse would then ensure that
patients receive appropriate treatment and were signposted for help
and support.
The call for the new
strategy was supported by two of the leading cancer charities in
Wales, namely Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales and Tenovus.
There was also support from the BMA in Wales.
The Assembly Government
commented that from March 2011, a key worker will be nominated to
ensure care and support is provided and that people are signposted
to services and support that are available.
Cenric Clement-Evans
partner in Hugh James and head of the newly established Hugh James
Cancer Support Team commented “This initiative focusing on the
person diagnosed with cancer is extremely welcome. A focus
upon the individual diagnosed with cancer has been very much in the
forefront of our developing a cancer support team and launching our
new website “Cancer Legal Help.