The NHS in Wales is spending more than ever on cancer care, new figures released by the Welsh Government today show.
The figures, released as part of the annual publication of the NHS Expenditure Programme Budgets, show spending on cancer care by the Welsh NHS has reached a record high.
The figures for 2012-13 show the total spend has increased from £356.8m in 2011-12 to £360.9m in 2012-13, and the spend per head of the population has increased from £116.44 in 2011-12 to £117.41 in 2012-13.
This is £10 more per head than in England – the spend per head on cancer in 2012-13 in England is £107.21.
Health Minister Mark Drakeford said the investment is being made in clinically-effective cancer treatments, which have a proven evidence base.
Wales has shown the biggest improvement in cancer survival among the four countries of the UK since devolution.
And the 2013 Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey, which was carried out in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, found that 89% of patients rated their care as excellent or very good. This rose to 97% of patients who thought their cancer care was good.
Welcoming the figures, Professor Drakeford said:
“I’m determined to ensure every patient in Wales gets the best quality care they need and deserve. It is encouraging to see the most recent Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey found so many patients had a positive experience of their cancer care.
“These figures show we are now spending more than ever on cancer care in Wales. This demonstrates our absolute determination to invest in health services that deliver the very best outcomes for the people of Wales.
“This means investing in medicines which are proven to work. I have consistently rejected calls to establish a cancer drugs fund in Wales. To do so would prioritise cancer over other life-threatening conditions and divert money away from medicines which are proven to work.”
The Minister added:
“A recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer in February 2014 showed the cancer drugs fund in England does not expedite access to new cost-effective cancer medicines when compared to Wales and, more importantly, showed we had a faster uptake of medicines most recently launched and subsequently recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
“If a medicine is clinically and cost effective they are routinely available on the Welsh NHS. This evidence-based approach provides everyone with assurance that our investment is focused on bringing about clear health, social and economic benefits, regardless of what disease they or their loved ones are suffering from.”
