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AGENDA ITEM ........................................ AFM/10/02 Forum Mid Essex Area Forum Date 14 May 2002 _____________________________________________________________________ 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: 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. 1 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: Better clinical outcomes Modern Facilities on one hospital site Specialist staff Good Communication Continuous Improvement Disadvantages The perceived disadvantages include: 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: 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” __________________________ 2