Increasing flexibility and capacity by developing new skills
8.37 Reducing waits for diagnosis and treatment and improving palliative care services are two key objectives of this Cancer Plan. New national workforce training initiatives will support their achievement.
Endoscopy
8.38 Endoscopy is a key diagnostic procedure for gastro-intestinal cancers. These services are provided by a range of clinicians including surgeons, physicians and nurse practitioners. Demand for endoscopy is increasing year on year and will increase further if and when colorectal screening is introduced. All staff undertaking these procedures require appropriate training.
8.39 New funding is being made available to train more GPs, nurses, surgeons and gastroenterologists to meet the rising demand for endoscopy. £2.5 million will be made available for this initiative.
Palliative care for community nurses
8.40 New funding is also being made available to support nurses responsible for providing community support to patients with cancer. Chapter 4 sets out details of a new £2 million initiative to provide additional training and support for community nurses in the general principles of palliative care.
