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Implementing the NHS Cancer Plan

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

The Cancer Plan is not just about extra money. It is about reforming the way cancer care is delivered in this country.

Cancer networks

The Calman/Hine Report broke new ground when it recommended networks of cancer care, reaching from primary care to cancer units. Cancer networks were identified as the organisational model for cancer services to implement the cancer plan. They bring together health service commissioners and providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. Typically a network services a population of around one to two million people.

There are now 34 cancer networks. All these networks have now reviewed their current service provision and identified where they need to develop and invest for the future.

Each network works closely with the primary care trust (PCT) cancer lead.

Cancer Services Collaborative (CSC)

Part of the modernisation agency,  the Cancer Services Collaborative (CSC) is a national NHS programme designed to improve the way in which cancer services are provided. Its goal is to improve the experience and outcomes for patients with suspected or diagnosed cancer by optimising care delivery systems across the whole pathway of care.

The CSC offers practical approaches to delivering the improvement targets laid out in the cancer plan. Since April 2001, all 34 cancer networks in England have been taking part in the CSC programme. The programme encourages local clinical teams to look at their own services and supports them to make significant improvements by re-designing the way that care is delivered.

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