Written question WQ88933

Our target for cancer is for 75% of people to start their first definitive treatment within 62 days from the point of suspicion irrespective of the referral route. Delivery against this target is the responsibility of health boards and trusts, as set out in the Quality Statement for Cancer.

In April 2022, we published a Planned Care Recovery Plan, which includes a clear expectation of actions required to increase activity for cancer services. In response, the Wales Cancer Network (now part of the NHS Wales Executive) published a National Cancer Improvement Plan in February 2023, outlining how the NHS in Wales will aim to improve the experience and outcomes for people affected by cancer. This includes a focus on preventing cancer, diagnosing it earlier and faster, providing effective treatments, and holistic support.

Improving cancer outcomes is a key priority for this Government and I remain concerned that cancer performance across Wales remains below the level I would expect, at 56.6% performance in June 2023 (latest published data). I have made my expectations for improvement absolutely clear to the NHS through two national cancer summits held in October 2022 and March 2023. Cancer is one of my six strategic priorities for health boards in the NHS planning framework.

In May 2023, I commissioned the NHS Wales Executive to undertake a national cancer intervention focused upon improving performance on the most challenged cancer site pathways: urological, lower gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers. This national intervention will support local improvement in delivery of cancer services for these cancer sites. This work has commenced over the summer with national workshops identifying the key challenges and opportunities for changing service models and improving pathway management. The NHS Executive will now work with health boards and Velindre to apply this learning across Wales.

In July 2023, we issued refreshed guidance to NHS Wales for managing patients on the suspected cancer pathway and how to report against targets to ensure that each patient’s pathway waiting time is consistent and unnecessary delay does not occur as patients pass between clinical teams and organisations.

We continue to invest in cancer services, including a £3m annual fund to support health boards and trusts in implementation of the national optimal pathways. We are also making investments in new equipment and facilities, as well as training new specialist staff. Earlier this year, we announced £86m for new radiotherapy equipment and facilities. This is in addition to the development of the new Velindre Cancer Centre and new equipment being introduced at south west and north Wales cancer centres.