The Chair of Radiotherapy UK has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new online NHS for some services; but warned that the government must not ignore a fully-funded treatment service for cancer patients.
The NHS is setting up an ‘online hospital’ – NHS Online – in a significant reform to the way healthcare is delivered in England.
The hope is that patients can be seen faster, and be able to choose appointment times that work for their circumstances.
Stop ‘radiotherapy rationing’
Responding to the news, leading Oncologist and Chair of Radiotherapy UK Professor Pat Price said:
“While we welcome news of a new ‘NHS Online’, we know that cancer patients can’t receive treatment online or on an app.
“A broader shift to digital health must go hand in hand with investments in frontline care, such as a fully funded radiotherapy plan to get patients treated faster.
“Radiotherapy is one of the most effective, proven, and cost-efficient cancer treatments we have, yet it’s being rationed to patients due to historical underinvestment.
“We urge the Prime Minister to work with us, clinicians, and patients to roll out this lifesaving treatment more widely and ensure that no patient is left waiting when timely treatment could save their life.”