The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 278 No 7452 p574
19 May 2007

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Cancer care closer to home highlighted in DoH report

Some diagnostic tests and treatment services for people with cancer can be provided closer to where patients live, according to Mike Richards, national cancer director. In a report “Getting it right for people with cancer” — published this week by the Department of Health — Professor Richards says that, while complex or rare treatment services should be carried out by teams who see sufficient numbers to gain experience, many services could be moved to district general hospitals or community settings.

He points out that many cancer services are already on offer closer to patients’ homes but that this should only take place provided these local services are safe and effective.