What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve outcomes for people affected by leukaemia in Wales, including earlier diagnosis, equitable access to specialist treatment and care, and the implementation of recommendations made by Leukaemia UK?
This Government has committed to developing a National Cancer Plan, reflecting our determination to improve cancer care and outcomes. The plan will set out an ambitious future for cancer care in Wales and give the NHS the clarity it needs to focus on this set of conditions and to deliver better services for the people of Wales.
The plan will be developed to support improvements in outcomes for people affected by cancer in Wales, irrespective of cancer type, and will therefore be as relevant to people with leukaemia as it will be to those affected by other cancers.
We are working at pace as part of our 100-day commitments to bring forward our plans, and I will update Members ahead of summer recess to confirm our intentions and outline how stakeholders will be engaged in its development. In determining our strategic priorities, we will consider insights and evidence from a broad range of sources, including previous reports and recommendations from third sector organisations such as Leukaemia UK.
By addressing challenges across cancer pathways and driving service improvement in line with clinical standards, the National Cancer Plan will support the NHS to deliver high-quality, equitable and person-centred cancer care, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales.