NHS managers would be required to provide all cancer patients with a “key worker” under new plans by the Welsh Labour Party.
The worker would coordinate the patient’s care to ensure consistent contact and support, especially after discharge from hospital.
Campaigning in Carmarthen, Health Minister Edwina Hart (pictured) said: “One of the key issues facing cancer patients, particularly once they are discharged from hospital-based treatment, is a sense of abandonment and a lack of ongoing contact with specialists.
“That is why we have pledged that each patient diagnosed with cancer should have access to a nominated key worker to co-ordinate their care for the duration of their treatment in secondary care and subsequently within primary care via their GP.”
The pledge is included in Labour’s general election manifesto for Wales, despite health policy being devolved to the Assembly.
Labour promised patients in England they will receive dedicated one-to-one NHS nursing when the party published its UK manifesto.
A coalition of charities recently called on the Assembly Government to protect cancer care from cuts in public spending or efficiency savings.
The Wales Cancer Alliance said political parties should prioritise treatment of the disease in their manifesto.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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