Commenting on the publication of the National Audit Office’s report into the delivery of the Cancer Reform Strategy, South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon, a member of the Commons public accounts committee, said:
“There are gaps in the Department of Health’s information on cancer. Data on how advanced cancers are at the time of diagnosis is incomplete and there is poor understanding of the costs of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are two of the main treatments for cancer.
“In 2008-09, the amount spent per head on cancer services by Primary Care Trusts varied from £55 to £154 and over half of this variation cannot be explained. Most commissioners of cancer services do not know if their commissioning is cost effective.“Until we have a clear idea of the costs of cancer services, it is difficult to improve services to patients or explain fully the reasons behind these variations. The Department of Health must close the gaps in its knowledge of cancer services”.
18 November 2010
See also:
NAO REPORT:
Delivering the Cancer Reform Strategy
PARLIAMENT: Cancer patients missing out on £200 million, says MP
PARLIAMENT: Cancer patients waiting too long, says MP
PARLIAMENT: MP debates Norfolk health cash crisis
SPEECHES: Financing health services in Norfolk
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