Cancer: Medical Treatments
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps is he taking to help support underperforming trusts improve compliance with the cancer treatment standard from referral to treatment.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
Improving performance against the cancer treatment standards is a key priority for the Government. As set out in the National Cancer Plan, National Health Service regions and Cancer Alliances will jointly identify underperforming trusts and provide intensive, hands‑on support, including leadership intervention, peer‑to‑peer mentoring, and the secondment of senior managers from stronger performing trusts to help drive improvement. This will be backed by £200 million of ring‑fenced cancer funding in 2026/27 to strengthen local cancer pathways and reduce delays.
The plan also commits to ensuring that all cancer waiting time standards are met by the end of this Parliament, with improved diagnostic capacity, digital pathways, and innovation, supporting faster movement from referral to treatment. These actions will ensure trusts facing the greatest pressures receive the targeted support required to recover performance and deliver timely, high‑quality cancer care.
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