Cancer care money is being wasted, claims charity

The government's record investment in cancer services is being undermined by serious systemic flaws in how the NHS manages the money, according to report from Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The findings of Macmillan's 'Get It Spent Where It's Meant' study show a "lack of transparency, widespread inconsistencies in how the money is allocated and tracked, poor investment in cancer services that improve the patient's experience and inadequate provision for meaningful patient involvement", according to the charity.

Only 11 out of 21 Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) were able to provide details of their planned cancer spend for 2003-2004, and only five provided details for 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. In addition, where SHAs gave a breakdown of budget allocation, most of the money went on 'hard' targets - staffing, drugs and equipment - rather than improving quality of life for patients, the charity said.

Macmillan has called on the government to commit to improving the way the NHS tracks investment in cancer services, institute a review and report its recommendations to Parliament within an agreed timeframe.

Peter Cardy, Chief Executive, Macmillan Cancer Relief, said: "Despite government's best intentions, and a welcome extra £570 million for cancer services by 2004, the challenge remains.

"Government must be seen to get the money spent where it's meant in a way that makes it count for patients. It can be done, but only if investment is tracked effectively. Macmillan's four key recommendations outline the way forward and we look forward to working with Government and the NHS to achieve this."

(gmcg)