Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that people (a) living with and (b) beyond cancer receive (i) timely and (ii) personalised support following a cancer diagnosis in Mid Buckinghamshire constituency.

The Department is committed to ensuring that all cancer patients in England, including those in Mid Buckinghamshire constituency, receive timely, personalised care that is tailored to individual needs.

Where appropriate, every person in England diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including needs assessment, a care plan and health and wellbeing information and support. This includes provision of information, empowering people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Personalised care ensures that each person’s care is planned holistically, covering mental and physical health as well as any practical or financial concerns.

The National Cancer Plan will seek to improve the experience and outcomes for people living with cancer. Having consulted with key stakeholders and patient groups, the plan will be published early in the new year. It will look at how we can improve communication and coordination for patients, so that they feel informed and in control of their care.