New specialists will speed up cancer diagnoses and improve access to treatment.
The NHS is to employ more cancer specialists, to speed up cancer diagnoses and get more people into treatment more quickly. The specialists will be trained in areas where there are shortages. It is part of Health Education England’s new Cancer Workforce Plan.
Announcements of extra provision include:
- 200 clinical endoscopists – to investigate suspected cancers internally
- 300 reporting radiographers – to identify cancers using x-rays and ultrasound
- support for clinical nurse specialists – to lead services and provide quality care
The plan is part of a campaign to make sure patients are diagnosed quickly and get better access to innovative treatments that can improve survival rates.