Outlining Plaid Cymru’s plan for cancer services, Ms Jones said that a collaborative approach in its development and implementation would be essential.
She said that a Plaid government would bring together a panel of experts from across the NHS and the voluntary sector as well as people affected by cancer themselves under the leadership of a Director of cancer services, to develop the strategy and monitor its implementation.
To highlight the important role played by the voluntary sector in the delivery of cancer services, Helen Mary Jones visited Breast Cancer Care in Cardiff whose services are geared towards looking after the emotional as well as the physical effects of the disease.
Key points in Plaid Cymru’s national cancer plan include:
- A commitment to treat the person as well as the disease with a programme that treats cancer as a long term condition
- Providing all cancer patients with a specialist cancer nurse
- Collaboration with local authorities and service providers to ensure cancer patients get the social care and benefits they need
- The introduction of co-production into cancer services – where patients and health professionals work together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
- Free access for patients to their medical records
Plaid Cymru Health spokesperson Helen Mary Jones AM said:
“Here in Wales, we need to change the way we deliver cancer services. The plan that I am launching today focuses on the need to treat the cancer patient rather than just the disease and at how different bodies can work together in the interests of the patient.
“While, of course, the physical aspect of cancer needs to be treated, the effects of the disease go way beyond that. We need to focus on lifelong well being and prevention, and promote a system of health that treats the whole person, body and mind. My visit to Breast Cancer Care today showed me just how important the work that the voluntary sector does on this is.
“A long term strategy is vital in making sure that advances continue to be made and that patients benefit from new and more effective research, treatments and support services.
“Plaid Cymru wants to introduce a cross-government approach to cancer services that encourages the health service, social services and voluntary sector to work together to design and deliver world class cancer services. Our national cancer plan aims to reduce cancer rates, to improve survival and to ensure that people live healthy productive lives beyond the diagnosis of cancer and are supported in their choices.
“Once treatment for the disease has come to an end, the patient should not be left in the wilderness. Support and advice for living with or after cancer are essential for the patient’s long-term well being. An important part of our plan is that cancer patients are made aware of what they are entitled to in terms of benefits and services. We also need to help people to take control of their own health. This means not just focusing on hospitals, but also helping patients to stay out of hospital by supporting them to become more knowledgeable, engaged and proactive in relation to their own health and wellbeing.
“A national plan for cancer services will ensure that patients are getting the services they need and that people working with cancer patients have the clarity and direction they need. It is expected that the number of people suffering with cancer will increase over the coming years and so it is even more important that our cancer services in Wales are able to meet the challenges they face.”
