Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
11 December 2015 09:13
Emergency care for people living with cancer is piling pressure on the NHS, a group says
The NHS is having to provide too much emergency care for people with cancer, according to a new report from Macmillan Cancer Support.
The group says the lack of support for people living with the disease is placing an unsustainable burden on the health service.
And it is calling on the Government and the NHS to rectify the situation by funding the life-long cost of supporting survivors after their initial treatment is finished.
Emergency care
Macmillan says in England the NHS is spending over half a billion pounds each year on emergency care for patients with the four commonest cancers.
Over £130 million of that, it adds, goes on treating patients over six months on from their diagnosis and usually after their initial treatment has been completed.
It says the "dysfunctional" system now in place is failing to help those living with cancer recover and regain a good quality of life.
Travel plans
One thing which can help people during their road to recovery is taking a relaxing holiday with family or friends, something which can be covered by a cancer travel insurance policy.
'Last resort'
Macmillan's executive director of services and influencing, Juliet Bouverie, says for people with cancer emergency care should be a last resort.
But the group says while the cost of care during initial treatment for the 40,000 women diagnosed every year with early-stage breast cancer amounts to some £155 million, the amount spent afterwards is £250 million.
Ms Bouverie says the fact that so much money is being spent on such care shows the system is not designed to help people take control of their health after their initial treatment.
The time has now come, she adds, for the NHS and the Government to fully fund a change in approach and recognise that people have to live with the effects of cancer for the rest of their lives, even after their treatment has finished.
With an increasing number of people surviving cancer, it is estimated that some 3.4 million in England will be living with the disease by 2030.
06 January 2020
Get the most out of your 2020 getaway with our top holiday planning tips.
[more...]
Discover a new passion this winter with one of these alternative winter sports.
Stay safe out on the slopes with our 5 top safety tips for winter sports...
Is learning a language your new year's resolution? Try one of these interactive apps to help you on your way.
20 December 2019
Take to the slopes in 2020 at one of our favourite winter sport destinations...
Join us on a quick culinary tour to see what the world will be feasting on over the festive period...
19 December 2019
Think nice rather than naughty, with our tips to making the most of a Christmas getaway with the kids...
Tackle the trials and tribulations of Christmas travel with our easy to follow tips.
02 December 2019
Turn Christmas traditions on their head and treat yourself to the present of a festive season away from home.
Reduce your screen time and commit to some me time at some of our favourite detox destinations.
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.