Download Gynaecological cancer

AGENDA ITEM ........................................
AFM/10/02
Forum
Mid Essex Area Forum
Date
14 May 2002
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IMPROVING CANCER SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH RARE CANCERS IN
THE AREA COVERED BY THE MID ANGLIA CANCER NETWORK –
GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS
Report by Catherine Copsey, Committee Manager
(Tel: 01245 430526, e-mail [email protected])
Summary
The attached consultation paper sets out proposals to change the current
arrangements for treatment of gynaecological cancer patients in the Mid Anglia
Cancer Network. The closing date for consultation is 8 July 2002.http://www.neha.nthames.nhs.uk/
Current Arrangements
Gynaecological cancer surgery is currently carried out at St. John’s Hospital in
Chelmsford, Colchester General Hospital and Ipswich Hospital.
Proposals
A review of the existing facilities in the area was undertaken by a team of experts
led by Henry Kitchener, Professor of Gynaecology Oncology at the University of
Manchester. The team recommended that the best way to improve
gynaecological cancer services would be:
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To centralise a specialist gynaecological cancer surgery centre at
Ipswich.
For Chelmsford and Colchester hospitals to continue to provide
diagnostic tests, chemotherapy and follow up are after surgery, as well
as non-cancer gynaecological surgery. Colchester and Ipswich hospitals
will continue to provide radiotherapy, as now.
For these changes to be in place by mid 2003.
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It is suggested that if this service is not provided on a single site within this
network women will have to travel outside of the network area for their treatment.
Advantages
The perceived benefits of the proposals include:
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Better clinical outcomes
Modern Facilities on one hospital site
Specialist staff
Good Communication
Continuous Improvement
Disadvantages
The perceived disadvantages include:
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Some women will have to travel further for their cancer surgery
Relatives may also find visiting more difficult and family support is vital at
such times.
Alternatives
The external review team has considered other options:
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No change to the present arrangements
Developing all 3 local hospitals as a “virtual centre” for gynaecological
cancers
These options were rejected as they did not meet national guidelines – specialist
surgery has to be located on one of the acute hospital sites.
Options
The Forum is invited to consider if it wishes to make representations to the
Cabinet Member for Community Care with regard to the proposed changes to
gynaecological cancer services in the Mid Anglia Cancer Network.
Background papers
NHS consultation paper “Improving Cancer Services for People with Rare
Cancers”
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