What discussions has the Minister had with relevant parties to ensure that Velindre Cancer Centre is able to effectively support new and emerging cancer treatments?
Velindre Cancer Centre is part of a network of cancer services across the south east Wales region. It provides non-surgical oncology at its hub in Whitchurch and at hospitals throughout the region. It also has referral pathways to centres that deliver proton beam therapy. Health boards provide cancer surgery and haemo-oncology services; and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board provides advanced medicinal therapeutic treatments for adults.
I meet the Chair of Velindre University NHS Trust and my officials meet officers from Velindre and the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee regularly. These meetings will touch on future delivery of treatment including the emergence of any new and innovative therapies and how they can be delivered to the Welsh population.
My officials have also had extensive and regular discussions with the Trust and surrounding health boards concerning the Transforming Cancer Services programme; including the development of the new Velindre Cancer Centre.