Written question WQ83341
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
Will the Minister outline the Welsh Government plan to increase the number of rapid diagnosis centres for cancer?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
The Wales Cancer Network (WCN) developed and funded two pilot Rapid Diagnostic Centres for people with vague symptoms suggestive of cancer, in the Swansea Bay and Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board areas. Following the two-year pilot, the two health boards involved decided to continue to fund the RDCs while the evaluation reported.
The evaluation was positive overall and the WCN presented the findings to health boards as well as holding a well-attended learning event for them. The WCN is now producing a national service specification and vague symptom pathway; it is also supporting health boards with programme support to develop business cases.
The pilot health boards are examining the potential to permanently fund or expand their RDCs. Powys Teaching Health Board will access RDCs in neighbouring health boards. The remaining health boards are in different stages of business case development.