Alder Hey welcomes the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan and its clear ambition to improve cancer outcomes through earlier diagnosis, innovation and sustained investment in the cancer workforce.
For the first time, the NHS includes a plan specifically for children, which will mean better outcomes and experiences for children who are affected by cancer.
The Plan will commit to ensuring that 3 in 4 people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 are cancer-free or living well after 5 years. The Plan responds directly to what patients say matters most: faster diagnosis, access to the latest evidence-based treatments, and better support throughout cancer care. It sets out a long-term approach to making England a world leader in cancer survival, with a strong focus on enabling staff to deliver the best possible care.
Key commitments within the Plan include expanding and modernising diagnostic services, strengthening the cancer workforce, and embedding innovation, such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and robotic surgery, into routine care. It also prioritises reducing administrative burden on clinicians, creating more time for direct patient care.
We welcome the NHS Cancer Plan and its strong focus on both children, young people, families and the staff who care for them. The Plan recognises that improving cancer outcomes depends on investing in our workforce and embracing innovation. These priorities closely align with our own commitment at Alder Hey to deliver the very best care for children and young people with cancer.”
John Grinnell, Chief Executive at Alder Hey
The Plan also reinforces the vital role of specialist nursing and diagnostics, including the commitment that every patient should have access to a clinical nurse specialist or named lead. Investment in training, career pathways and targeted workforce growth will support both current and future cancer professionals.
At Alder Hey, these national priorities support our Vision 2030 to deliver high-quality, personalised paediatric cancer care, underpinned by research, innovation and specialist expertise.
Recently, the North West Children’s Cancer Operational Delivery Network (ODN) and Alder Hey launched a new model of children’s cancer treatment, bringing chemotherapy and other care directly to the homes of children and young people.
As the NHS Cancer Plan is implemented over the coming years, Alder Hey will continue to work with partners and colleagues across the NHS to ensure children, young people and families benefit from faster diagnosis, expert care and improved outcomes.
Read the NHS’s National Cancer Plan