Wokingham MP proposes bill to enhance cancer care accountability
Clive Jones aims to hold government to task on cancer plan targets
Clive Jones, the Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, is introducing legislation to hold the government accountable for its national cancer plan targets.
Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2008, Jones aims to build on Labour's national cancer plan to ensure its effectiveness for patients throughout England.
The plan, unveiled this February under Sir Keir Starmer, targets personalised cancer treatments and new cancer vaccines to prevent recurrence.
Jones's proposal, the Cancer (Reporting and Strategy) Bill, would mandate the Health Secretary to report annually to Parliament on progress regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The bill would also require a strategy for improving cancer outcomes and hold ministers accountable for resource investment.
Strategic Goals in Cancer Care
Jones contends that the private member's bill will save many lives by ensuring ministers are regularly scrutinised.
The bill aims to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, and help achieve key national cancer plan targets.
Cancer Research UK supports the bill, stating it provides necessary parliamentary scrutiny.
Jones is optimistic about collaborating with Labour ministers eager to enhance cancer care.
Matt Sample from Cancer Research UK said, “The National Cancer Plan for England holds real promise to transform cancer services and boost research, and clear accountability for progress will be essential.”
The bill is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Commons on 13th November.
Government's Commitments
The Department of Health and Social Care emphasises the importance of metrics to ensure the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
A spokesperson stated, “Our National Cancer Plan sets out how we will transform cancer care through earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and better support for patients."
The government aims for 75% of patients diagnosed with cancer to be cancer-free or living well five years on by 2035.