Cancer Reform Strategy - First Annual Report - Merseyside ...

CHAPTER 3: DIAgNoSINg CANCER EARlIER21other diagnostic tests. In addition, waiting timesdata for all other diagnostic tests are collectedthrough a quarterly census.3.33 The NHS has made excellent progressin reducing waits for diagnostics over the pasttwo years. For example in April 2006, based onthe 15 key tests, there were 404,000 six weekplus waits. In March 2007, this had reducedto 243,000 and based on the latest publisheddata for September 2008, has fallen to 6,600.The median waiting time for a diagnostic testhas decreased to 1.6 weeks in September 2008,from 6.1 weeks in April 2006 when data werefirst published.3.34 Commissioning world class imagingservices is fundamental to providing highquality care to patients. To support PCTs inthis aspect of their role, and as part of the 18weeks programme, the National Imaging Boardhas developed an interactive toolkit to supportcommissioners of imaging services. The toolkitaims to bring together a number of resourcesabout diagnostic imaging eg workforce, clinicalgovernance, safety and radiation etc in oneeasy and convenient reference tool: http://www.18weeks.nhs.uk/Content.aspx?path=/achieve-and-sustain/diagnostic/imaging/commissioning-guidance.3.35 In addition to the web based world classcommissioning tool, a dedicated imaging servicesweb forum has also been established. The forumis designed to allow PCTs to share best practicewith colleagues across the country, and shareideas and experiences on service redesign.3.36 Despite these very significantimprovements in diagnostics, the CRS AdvisoryBoard is of the view that further improvementscan be made in gPs’ access to the necessarydiagnostics. As the CRS said, greater accessis needed both to diagnostic tests for initialinvestigations, mainly to exclude cancer, andto specialist diagnostic services for patientswith a high chance of cancer. In response tothis concern it has been agreed that cancerdiagnostics should be added as an eighthwork stream within the National Awarenessand Early Diagnosis Initiative.