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NURSING PEOPLE WITH CANCER IN SCOTLAND
A FRAMEWORK
FOREWORD BY THE LEAD CLINICIAN
FOR CANCER IN SCOTLAND
The Scottish Cancer Plan,
Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change, was published in July 2001, setting out a clear direction of travel for developing and improving cancer services in Scotland.
Cancer in Scotland was the first step in a long-term process of renewing and strengthening the ways in which we tackle cancer. Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs), working through the three Regional Cancer Advisory Groups (RCAGs), have been a springboard for change and improvement, empowering staff, the voluntary sector and patients to have their say in the planning and development of cancer services.
The strategy highlighted the crucial part nurses play in developing services, enhancing continuity of care to patients and their carers, and in securing continuous improvements in cancer care generally. They are often the first line of contact for patients and offer invaluable support to those undergoing highly technical treatments. They have a central role within the wider clinical team, in which they not only deliver increasingly specialist inputs, but also help to provide the cement that binds the team together.
It was always clear that
Cancer in Scotland's implementation would present NHSScotland with significant challenges, and that nursing services would need a clear direction in order to play their part.
Nursing People with Cancer in Scotland: A Framework provides that clear direction, setting out as it does the scope, diversity and future shape of nursing's contribution.
I warmly welcome this framework for nursing, and look forward to seeing it being enacted throughout the many services accessed by people with cancer in Scotland.
DR ANNA GREGOR
Lead Clinician for Cancer in Scotland and Chair, Scottish Cancer Group
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