Cancer: Bereavement Counselling
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve support available for families who have lost a relative to cancer.
Answered by Ashley Dalton
The Government recognises how important it is for grieving families and friends who have lost loved ones have access to the support they need, when they need it. Bereavement support is commissioned locally, to meet the needs of the local population. NHS England has developed guidance for integrated care boards which requires local commissioners to ensure there is sufficient access to bereavement support services.
Improving support for patients and carers is also an area of focus for the National Cancer Plan for England, which will seek to improve both physical and mental health aspects of cancer care. Those who wish to share their views on improving cancer support can do so via the Call for Evidence, which is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/shaping-the-national-cancer-plan
NHS England strongly encourages anyone struggling with their bereavement to contact their general practitioner who can help provide support, signpost to specialist bereavement support organisation or refer to a counsellor.
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