12 Mar
Question
Cancer Strategies

The session focused on ongoing efforts and challenges associated with cancer strategies between the UK Government and the Welsh Government, highlighting cross-government collaboration. Initial queries raised concerns about the implementation of cancer strategies in Wales, notably the inability of Welsh health boards to meet their cancer targets since August 2020, leading to delays in treatment commencement. Dame Nia Griffith, representing the Secretary of State for Wales, provided reassurances about the positive trajectory of cancer services, referencing collaborative efforts and a substantial financial commitment of £600 million by the Welsh Government to health and social care targeting cancer service improvements. Clashing opinions arose regarding the decision by Conservative and Plaid Cymru parties in the Senedd to oppose the Welsh budget plan despite its significant investment in health services, including cancer care.

Failed achievement of cancer targets by all Welsh health boards since August 2020.

This statistic was raised by Clive Jones as a critical issue contributing to treatment delays in Wales.

Outcome

The discussion underlined the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in tackling cancer service delivery issues. The debate accentuated the Welsh Government's planned initiatives for specific cancer types, aimed at alleviating waiting list backlogs, and improving overall cancer care services. Discrepancies in political stances were highlighted, questioning the rationale behind voting against hefty financial allocations dedicated to NHS service enhancement.

Key Contributions

Clive Jones
Liberal Democrats

Queried recent discussions with the Welsh Government regarding cancer strategies.

Dame Nia Griffith

Detailled collaborative measures between UK and Welsh Governments to enhance health services, specifically cancer care.

Mr Alex Barros-Curtis
Labour

Inquired about further collaborative efforts in enhancing cancer outcomes.

Original Transcript
Clive Jones
Wokingham
LD
Question
UIN: 903061

4. Whether she has had recent discussions with the Welsh Government on the implementation of cancer strategies.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales
Dame Nia Griffith

I have regular discussions with my Welsh Government colleagues about health. I am pleased to see clear progress in cancer services in Wales.

In December, performance against the 62-day cancer target was the best we have seen since August 2021, but no one should ever be complacent about cancer, which is why our two Governments are committed to working closely on cancer, sharing best practice and delivering better outcomes for patients across England and Wales.

Dame Nia Griffith

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that there is now positive progress on waiting lists. Both Governments are working together in a spirit of genuine collaboration to cut NHS waiting lists and build an NHS fit for the future.

The Welsh Government have committed more than £600 million in extra funding to health and social care in their budget for 2025-26. They are also setting up a national cancer leadership board to improve cancer care.

Thanks to those investments, Welsh NHS services are improving, including for cancer, and waiting lists are falling.

Mr Alex Barros-Curtis
Cardiff West
Lab

Will my hon. Friend outline how she is working in partnership with the Welsh Government to improve cancer and health outcomes? Could she try to help me understand why on earth, in the Welsh budget vote last week, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru voted against £600 million more for our Welsh NHS?

Dame Nia Griffith

I really cannot explain why Conservative colleagues in the Senedd voted against that budget. Not only are the Welsh Government delivering £600 million; they are also delivering a specific package on cancer care.

The initial phase, which is going to focus on breast, skin, gynaecological, lower gastrointestinal and neurological cancers, will improve productivity and efficiency in how health boards deliver care. This includes sending people straight to tests without an out-patient appointment.

Alongside this, the Welsh Government are implementing a wider range of service improvements, from reducing smoking and tackling obesity to HPV vaccination and diagnostic and generic strategies.

All content derived from official parliamentary records