The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to The King’s Fund long read, Delivering the National Cancer Plan: what will it take to build innovation-ready cancer services?
Dr Hilary Williams, RCP clinical vice president, said:
‘The King’s Fund rightly identifies that the challenge facing the NHS is not a lack of innovation, but a system that lacks the capacity, workforce and infrastructure to deliver it consistently for patients.
'Investment in technology must be matched by investment in people, including enough trained staff, realistic job plans and protected time to improve care. Strengthening acute and supportive oncology is also critical, so patients with complex needs receive timely specialist input and are not left to deteriorate in crisis.
'The NHS has a strong track record in clinical trials and enabling access to new and effective therapies. The next step is ensuring we have robust real-world data to support their safe use, alongside an expert workforce able to manage complications early, so patients can benefit from cutting-edge treatments without emergency departments becoming the default when serious toxicity occurs.
‘The ambition of the National Cancer Plan for England is very welcome, but delivery will depend on fixing the fundamentals. Every patient deserves to benefit from advances in cancer care, wherever they are treated.'