Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from the Managing Director, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.

The Committee considered the report of the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance that provided an overview of the activities of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance in Sefton and was submitted for information and discussion.

Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance was an NHS organisation that brought healthcare providers, commissioners, patients, cancer research institutions and voluntary and charitable sector partners together to improve cancer outcomes for the local population.

The Alliance was responsible for:

• Delivering the NHS Long Term Plan objectives for cancer, including the ambition that, by 2028, 75% of cancers would be diagnosed at stages 1 and 2.

• Reducing unwarranted variation in care, access, patient experience and outcomes.

• Improving performance against cancer waiting times standards.

• Supporting innovation and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of cancer services.

The Alliance was funded by, and accountable to, the national cancer programme within NHS England and the Alliance was hosted by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust.

Presentation slides had been circulated to the Committee which highlighted the work of the Alliance with reference to improving cancer outcomes for the population of Sefton. Data for Sefton was also provided.

Jon Hayes, Managing Director, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, attended the meeting to present information and to respond to any questions or issues raised by Members of the Committee.

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       The working relationship between the Cancer Alliance and Public Health teams.

·       The data that highlights poor lung health in Sefton and the reasons for this

·       Strategies for areas in high deprivation.

·       The statistics around early onset cancer

·       The importance of using the right language when talking about cancer

·       The availability of support services for families affected by cancer.

RESOLVED: That

(1)                  the report and the information provided be noted; and

(2)                 a further update on the activities of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance in Sefton be provided to the Committee in 12 months’ time.