This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nurses to take lead in cancer care
16/04/2004
Proposals to give nurses a leading role in developing
cancer care services were unveiled today.
The Executive's
Framework for Nursing People with Cancer in
Scotland looks at ways to strengthen the role of
nurses working in cancer care by:
- giving nurses more opportunities to lead cancer
care, including expanding the number of consultant
nurses
- encouraging more research into caring for people
with cancer and their carers
- ensuring all nurses have access to education on
cancer as part of pre-registration nursing
programmes
- providing adequate support for nurses caring for
people with cancer in recognition of the significant
emotional and physical toll it can have on
practitioners
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"Cancer is a significant cause of illness and mortality
in Scotland and affects not only patients but their carers
and families.
"Nurses have a significant role to play in supporting
patients and their families during this time, whether at
the time of diagnosis, during treatment or at the end of
life, whether they work in cancer-specific services or
general services, wherever this may be.
"The Framework, the first of its kind in Scotland, sets
out guidelines for the NHS to ensure that nurses receive
the support, education and training they need to provide
safe and effective care.
"Building strong leadership within cancer nursing will
help to ensure that nurses are able to influence the
direction of care and services for people with cancer and
their carers at local, regional and national levels.
Leadership is critical and this is acknowledged in the
Framework. Nursing leadership must be explicit within all
decision-making forums for cancer care in Scotland.
"New nurse leadership posts, in particular nurse
consultants, must and will be created. The commitment to
train clinical leaders through the RCN's programmes will
make a key impact on the delivery of care.
"Innovative and progressive cancer nursing care will
necessitate the development of imaginative leaders who have
a long-term vision, the ability to influence and the
willingness to develop and take risks. Already we have many
such leaders in Scotland and developing future leaders is
one of the most challenging parts of the Framework and
essential to the quality of care delivered.
"Alongside leadership and career development
opportunities, research and education are integral to
strengthening the knowledge and skills of nurses dealing
with specific diseases such as cancer.
"Early knowledge of cancer prevention, detection and
screening and how nurses can respond effectively to meet
the needs of patients, carers and their families, during
initial training as well as through continuous professional
development, leads to more effective care for patients and
this is something we continue to support."
The Executive has made available £25 million annually
until 2005-06 to implement the cancer strategy Cancer in
Scotland.