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CANCER IN SCOTLAND: ACTION FOR CHANGE
01. FOREWORD-
REPORT TO THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Report of the Scottish Cancer Group on the implementation of
Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change
To Dr E M Armstrong
Chief Medical Officer
The publication of
Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change (CIS) in July 2001 signalled a renewed drive to tackle cancer and its causes. Building on the pledges identified in
Towards a Healthier Scotland and
Our National Health: a plan for action, a plan for change (ONH) the strategy identified a wide range of actions necessary in order to prevent cancers whenever possible, to detect tumours earlier and to improve treatment and care for people with cancer in Scotland.
The strategy is backed by 60 million over 3 years in addition to existing national and local plans. Over 10 million in 2001-02 and 25 million this year has been invested into wide-ranging initiatives to build capacity and improve the available services, as well as initiatives improving patients' experiences.
But money can never be the only solution to improving cancer services in Scotland. We need more and better equipment, more staff, but also to do things differently. Investments in NHSScotland must be matched by programmes of service redesign and improved ways of working delivering real benefits for patients.
The first 12 months have provided a foundation for this change and has stimulated unprecedented enthusiasm, commitment and goodwill amongst staff and patients alike. These qualities have always been a remarkable feature of cancer care in Scotland, but the collaboration and work of implementation of CIS has taken this to new levels.
This, our first Annual Report, sets out action and achievements to date. It reflects the work of many colleagues in NHSScotland and the Scottish Executive Health Department. Together we have made an excellent start on which to build the further improvements in the months and years to come. Of course challenges remain. Many, such as shortages of key staff, are shared by healthcare providers worldwide but I believe that together we can overcome these through the opportunities offered by continuing and strengthening the partnership of NHSScotland, government and patients to become the best for the benefit of the people of Scotland.
DR ANNA GREGOR
Chair
Scottish Cancer Group
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