Posted by Steve on Friday 1st April
NHS England are asking for comments on a new sarcoma service specification which sets out how sarcoma should be treated. The principle underlying the specification is that all sarcoma patients should be referred to a specialist sarcoma centre. Those of us who have some experience of sarcoma treatment know how important this principle is.
Please go to Sarcoma UK's site Speak out on how sarcoma services are set up in England! and follow the link to have your say - the form is very easy to complete.
The Service Specification says:
Because of the rarity of sarcomas, patients may receive inappropriate treatment by non-skilled practitioners before the diagnosis has been made and the need for specialised care has been recognised. Depending on where sarcoma patients live in the England, there is variability in availability of specialist care, and in access to that care. A significant number of patients are treated outside of specialist sarcoma services.
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The aim of the service is to improve outcomes for all patients with sarcoma by ensuring that all patients will be referred to specialised sarcoma services and that all patients have access to the highest quality care regardless of where they live or the location of the tumour.
