Recommendation 1

HM Government Acknowledged

The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented The Department of Health and Social Care (the department) and NHS England remain committed to reducing cancer waiting times. Since the publication of the Delivery Plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care, levels of GP urgent cancer referrals remain high – over 2.8 million people were seen in the 12 months to December 2022, and supported by the NHS’s ‘Help us Help You’ awareness campaigns. Despite this record demand, as at week ending 28 February 2023, the 62-day cancer backlog has fallen 35% since its peak in May 2020, and the department has seen early signs of a recovery in early-stage diagnosis. NHS England set out clear plans and actions to reduce waiting times, including for cancer care, in the Delivery Plan. To support delivery, the department and NHS England have stood up further action in recent months. NHS England issued a letter to all NHS providers on 1 February 2023 on maximising 62 day backlog reductions. The four key areas highlighted to support reducing the cancer backlog – instructing the explicit prioritisation of Community Diagnostic Centre (CDCs) capacity for the cancer; implementing faecal immunochemical test (FIT) triage for patients on Urgent Suspected Cancer endoscopy waiting list; maximising use of wider local capacity including Independent Sector; and increased focus on data validation and accuracy. Alongside these interventions, NHS England has developed an intervention model to target support towards the most challenged trusts in terms of cancer backlogs. This intensive support work includes developing a co-ordinated support plan monitored by progress meetings focussing on areas such as pathway improvements, workforce support and targeted capacity increases.