Written question WQ94273
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 4 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of Young Lives vs Cancer's Running On Empty research, highlighting the significant travel distances and costs children and young people with cancer experience in order to access their care at specialist centres?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
My officials met with representatives of the charity on 20 September 2024 to discuss the research and request further information in relation to its findings. Due to the nature of treatment services for children and young people affected by cancer, it is more likely that families will need to travel greater distances to receive expert care. For families on low incomes the NHS already operates a travel reimbursement scheme and all patients attending an oncology appointment can access free transport from the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service delivered by the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust. The Welsh Government currently has no plans to introduce a specific travel fund for young people affected by cancer.