Macmillan responds to Prime Minister’s announcement of Government’s NHS funding
Originally published: 17 June 2018
Macmillan Cancer Support’s chief executive Lynda Thomas said:
“The Prime Minister’s announcement today is a real step in the right direction for a health system that has spent far too many years struggling to function with limited funding.
“We hope this boost will be a chance to begin future-proofing cancer care for the millions of people living with the disease, who urgently deserve improved emotional and practical support to live life as fully as they can. This includes those with cancer as a long-term condition and approaching the end of life. This level of support and care is just as crucial as improved survival rates and early diagnosis.
“Now that extra funding has been agreed, we are keen to see how this actually translates into practical action. However, we are concerned this amount will not be enough to provide the sustainable funding required to meet growing patient demand.
“Tangible improvements for patients will be impossible if the challenges — such as the severe problems facing the cancer workforce — are not addressed. Progress cannot be made without improved integration within and across health and social care, especially in light of our ageing population and the growing number of people with cancer.
“We must act now to ensure the NHS, and other care services, can face the challenges to come and achieve world-class cancer outcomes for patients for the next 70 years, and beyond.”

