Will the Minister clarify whether the Welsh Government has liaised with officials within the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to review how and where to establish rapid diagnosis centres in North Wales?
The Welsh Government set out its approach to cancer and earlier detection in the Quality Statement for Cancer. This included a commitment that more cases of cancer are detected at earlier, more treatable stages through more timely access to diagnostic investigations. Health boards are required to respond to this through the planning and delivery of local services.
In support of this commitment, the Wales Cancer Network has considered innovations in models of delivery that enable earlier detection of cancer. The Network, using Welsh Government funding, piloted the Rapid Diagnostic Centre model in two health boards. Following successful evaluation of the model, the Network is supporting other health boards with programme management support and guidance on the establishment of Rapid Diagnostic Centres.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is establishing three rapid diagnostic centres and is undertaking recruitment of the required staff. It is a matter for the health board to determine where and how to site centres in order to meet the needs of its local population. The health board must also take into account how to achieve this objective alongside the delivery of standard pathways of cancer care and must continue to meet demand for non-cancer services within its available resources.