Audit Commission findings on NICE guidance “appalling” says CancerBACUP

Cancer charity CancerBACUP has issued the following statement in response to today’s Audit Commission report Managing the financial implications of NICE guidance:

“CancerBACUP highlighted the problem of postcode prescribing of cancer treatments in October 2003” says CancerBACUP Chief Executive Joanne Rule. “It is appalling that almost two years later the Audit Commission has found that only 25% of NHS bodies are implementing NICE guidance and that a lack of financial management at PCT level is largely to blame. "

Cancer funding should be given directly to the Cancer Networks who can ensure that money and treatments reach the patients who desperately need the treatments NICE has approved.

"We welcome the Commission’s recommendation that non-compliance with NICE guidance will impact on performance assessment – it is vital that the guidance has teeth.”

CancerBACUP call for a national investment plan

"Whilst we welcome the results of this tracking exercise, it finished in 2004 and there is no longer an investment strategy", says Joanne Rule Chief Executive of CancerBACUP. "There are many shortfalls in cancer services that need urgent attention like waiting times and the funding of cancer treatments.

CancerBACUP is calling for a national investment plan and this is what the public have told us they want."

http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/News/Press/Pressreleasesstatements/2005/58857711