Putting the equipment to best use
9.6 It is essential that this huge investment is targeted in the right places. So for the first time in this country, a national cancer facilities strategy will be developed to ensure an adequate and equitable supply of up to date equipment.
9.7 The Department of Health has already published data on radiotherapy services across the country. Cancer networks will be asked to undertake an audit of major cancer diagnostic facilities including CT and MRI scanning, nuclear medicine and endoscopy facilities.
9.8 Regional Offices will then work with cancer networks to draw up regional cancer facilities strategies to keep the stock of equipment up to date and to work towards a fair distribution of equipment. These regional strategies will inform a national cancer facilities strategy, to be drawn up in discussion with the professional bodies. This will enable the new funding to be used most appropriately to reduce inequalities across the country.
9.9 The early phases of central initiatives have been targeted at replacement of equipment. To build on the progress now being made it is essential that every Regional Office's capital investment strategy includes plans to maintain and replace its cancer equipment at appropriate intervals.
