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'Confusion' over cancer services 'Confusion' over cancer services
(20 minutes later)
Cancer services in Wales are over-stretched and over-complicated, according to a new report.Cancer services in Wales are over-stretched and over-complicated, according to a new report.
The assembly health committee review also found confusion within the NHS when it comes to planning and funding care.The assembly health committee review also found confusion within the NHS when it comes to planning and funding care.
It found a shortfall in the provision of basic cancer treatments, including radiotherapy.It found a shortfall in the provision of basic cancer treatments, including radiotherapy.
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said its services were pressured because of the lack of available beds for patients.Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said its services were pressured because of the lack of available beds for patients.
The year-long review found local health boards were not working together and that many were "defensive" when it came to sharing funding.The year-long review found local health boards were not working together and that many were "defensive" when it came to sharing funding.
There wasn't even space available for the breast care nurse who was assigned to my case to talk to me in private Angela Lloyd, patientThere wasn't even space available for the breast care nurse who was assigned to my case to talk to me in private Angela Lloyd, patient
It cited "confusion and lack of understanding" within the NHS about the respective roles of local health boards, Health Commission Wales and regional cancer networks.It cited "confusion and lack of understanding" within the NHS about the respective roles of local health boards, Health Commission Wales and regional cancer networks.
For patients it can result in care being disjointed and disorganised.For patients it can result in care being disjointed and disorganised.
The review recommended every patient should now be given a comprehensive care package at the time of diagnosis.The review recommended every patient should now be given a comprehensive care package at the time of diagnosis.
Breast cancer patient Angela Lloyd from Undy, near Newport, south Wales, spent a day waiting for a bed when she should have been admitted for treatment at Llandough Hospital, near Cardiff.Breast cancer patient Angela Lloyd from Undy, near Newport, south Wales, spent a day waiting for a bed when she should have been admitted for treatment at Llandough Hospital, near Cardiff.
"I was sat waiting in a small room, or standing outside in the corridor with my sons until 5.30pm, when there was a bed ready for me" said Mrs Lloyd."I was sat waiting in a small room, or standing outside in the corridor with my sons until 5.30pm, when there was a bed ready for me" said Mrs Lloyd.
Breast cancer patient Angela Lloyd spent a day waiting for a bedBreast cancer patient Angela Lloyd spent a day waiting for a bed
"There wasn't even space available for the breast care nurse who was assigned to my case to talk to me in private - she had to come out into the corridor and talk to me.""There wasn't even space available for the breast care nurse who was assigned to my case to talk to me in private - she had to come out into the corridor and talk to me."
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said its services were "under great pressure because there are very few beds available to admit new patients".Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said its services were "under great pressure because there are very few beds available to admit new patients".
The trust said it would contact Mrs Lloyd shortly to discuss her concerns.The trust said it would contact Mrs Lloyd shortly to discuss her concerns.
The health committee report did, however, praise the commitment of doctors and nurses, and identified a shortfall in the workforce.The health committee report did, however, praise the commitment of doctors and nurses, and identified a shortfall in the workforce.
It also called for more to be done in promoting healthy lifestyles to children and young people.It also called for more to be done in promoting healthy lifestyles to children and young people.
Top health commitmentsTop health commitments
Committee chairman Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM said the recommendations were realistic and achievable.Committee chairman Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM said the recommendations were realistic and achievable.
"I hope that we have succeeded in making recommendations that the Welsh Assembly Government can take forward with the NHS and its partners during the third assembly (term, from May 2007).""I hope that we have succeeded in making recommendations that the Welsh Assembly Government can take forward with the NHS and its partners during the third assembly (term, from May 2007)."
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said they would "carefully study" the recommendations in the committee's report.A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said they would "carefully study" the recommendations in the committee's report.
"Tackling cancer and improving cancer services is one of the Assembly Government's top health commitments."Tackling cancer and improving cancer services is one of the Assembly Government's top health commitments.
"Key to this is the emphasis we place on prevention through encouraging healthier lifestyles and highlighting how people's actions can have an impact on their long-term health. This work was recognised in the report. I "Key to this is the emphasis we place on prevention through encouraging healthier lifestyles and highlighting how people's actions can have an impact on their long-term health. This work was recognised in the report.
"Investment in new technology with CT and MRI scanners are helping to speed up and improve diagnosis which is resulting in better outcomes for patients. "Investment in new technology with CT and MRI scanners are helping to speed up and improve diagnosis which is resulting in better outcomes for patients."