VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Cancer and Radiology: Doctors

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 2 March 2026UIN 110062

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase the number of clinical (a) radiologists and (b) oncologists in the East Midlands.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The newly published National Cancer Plan highlights how we will work with the royal colleges to encourage resident doctors and internal medicine trainees to specialise in clinical and medical oncology. In addition, we will rebalance cancer and diagnostic medical training places to remote, rural, and coastal areas and target grants to train cancer nurse specialists in high-need areas. We have more doctors and consultants working in clinical oncology than a year ago. This will benefit patients across the country, including in the East Midlands.

The 10-Year Health Plan, published on 3 July 2025, set out that over the next three years we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is the greatest need. The Government will set out its next steps on this in due course.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim