A 10-year cancer strategy unveiled today (Tuesday) is pledging timely access to diagnosis, treatment and care for people across Northern Ireland. The strategy was announced by health minister Robin Swann.
Alongside the launch, the minister revealed the set-up of two rapid diagnosis centres - in Whiteabbey and South Tyrone hospitals. The centres aim to welcome their first patients later this year.
Mr Swann said: "Unfortunately, cancer will impact on all our lives at some point either directly or indirectly. Therefore the central vision of the new strategy is to ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland, wherever they live, has equitable and timely access to the most effective, evidence-based referral, diagnosis, treatment, support and person-centred cancer care.
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"Regrettably, cancer services were challenged before the pandemic and there continues to be significant capacity and workforce challenges across a range of areas.
"Therefore there is a need to move forward urgently to implement the actions outlined in this strategy to rebuild and transform our services in the short, medium and longer term."
There are 60 recommendations set out across the programme for strategic changes to be taken forward over the next decade in preventing cancer, diagnosing and treating cancer, supporting people to live and die well and implementing the strategy, reports PA.
Mr Swann said: "The rapid diagnosis centres will be piloted at both the South Tyrone Hospital and the Whiteabbey Hospital, and will enable patients from across Northern Ireland who have non-specific but concerning symptoms to get diagnosis support when they do not meet the criteria for red flag referral."
The funding plan published today (March 22) identifies an estimated investment need of around £2.3 million in the first year and in the region of £145 million per year when all actions are implemented. A capital one-off investment of approximately £73 million is also required.
The minister said: "Addressing the challenges currently facing cancer services in Northern Ireland, and implementing the strategic improvements greatly needed and so long sought for, is dependent on the availability of significantly increased and sustained funding.
"Unfortunately, cancer services in Northern Ireland have historically been underfunded in comparison with other UK jurisdictions."
Cancer Research UK's public affairs manager in Northern Ireland, Barbara Roulston, said: "People affected by cancer in Northern Ireland have waited a long time for a new cancer strategy so this publication, which outlines an ambition for world-class cancer services, is very welcome.
"It has the potential to prevent more cancers, diagnose the disease earlier and improve patient care. However, after the draft budget collapsed last month, the funding needed to make these plans a reality has not yet been confirmed.
"Without investment, the impact on patients could be devastating as staff shortages take their toll and health services are unable to take advantage of the latest equipment, tests and treatments."
