‘We are pleased that the Government has recommended a new measurement for survival rates for all cancers, alongside the ‘big three’ (lung, breast and colorectal cancer). This will help to ensure that people with rarer cancers are not discriminated against.
‘However, in order for these priorities to become a reality, there needs to be accountability at a local level as well as at the national level. It is vital that Clinical Commissioning Groups are held to account for survival rates for all cancers and their delivery of patient choice in end of life care.’
Duleep Allirajah, Head of Policy at Macmillan Cancer Support
‘Through setting out a commitment to drive up diagnosis rates, today’s announcement is a landmark step in delivering a health system fit to tackle dementia.
We now need more clarity on how, when and at what level diagnosis targets will be set to ensure Britain leads Europe in dementia care.’
Andrew Chidgey, Director of External Affairs, Alzheimer’s Society
’The mandate outlines that a key objective of the NHS Commissioning Board is to put mental health on a par with physical health and to close the health gap between people with mental health problems and the population as a whole.
‘We need to ensure that everyone involved in the commissioning and delivery of mental health services works together to move this from rhetoric to reality.’
Turning Point’s Deputy Chief Executive David Hoare
‘We also welcome the fact that this sits alongside the objective on better coordination of care around people’s needs, preferences and control. Coordinated care and patient involvement should be the two interlocking hemispheres of a radically changed culture.’
Don Redding, National Voices’ Director of Policy
‘The mandate … marks a major step on the road to the more liberated and innovative NHS that can be more responsive to its patients.
‘Make no mistake, the NHS will find this a challenging and stretching ask - and it comes against the most challenging financial environment the NHS has ever experienced. But I believe the goals are achievable.
Sir David Nicholson, Chief Executive of the NHS Commissioning Board
‘For many NHS staff, the nature of their work can be physically and mentally challenging so we are pleased to see the particular focus from Government on making staff health and wellbeing a key issue in the mandate.
Dean Royles, director of NHS Employers, a part of the NHS Confederation
‘The BMA is keen to discuss the practical implementation of some areas of the mandate, such as how the NHS takes advantage of new technological and IT developments. These proposals will require significant resource and technical commitments that must be considered if they are to become a reality. It is also vital that any changes that affect patient records do not in any way compromise patient confidentiality, especially if they may be placed online. The NHSCB must consider this matter very carefully before any implementation. Most importantly, if the NHSCB’s strategic vision is to be delivered, ministers must ensure there is genuine clinical involvement and adequate resourcing.’
Dr Mark Porter, BMA Chair
‘We welcome the Government’s recognition that end of life care should be a core priority for the NHS and that it has heard the deep concerns that we and many others expressed. The challenge now is to make this more than just a good intention and ensure that people approaching the end of life and their families get the dignified care and support they need. We only have one chance to get it right for them.’
Simon Chapman, Director of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs at the National Council for Palliative Care
‘NHSCC welcomes the mandate’s strong commitment to putting patients first. We endorse the new commissioning system being developed and structured around the needs of patients - providing choice in provider, integration, information and community support. What clinical commissioners now want is stability and the space to deliver better outcomes for our patients and drive down health inequalities in our populations.’
Dr Charles Alessi, Interim Chair of NHS Clinical Commissioners
‘The barriers to uptake surround culture and change more than technology. There are many reports of GPs not wanting patients to access their records. This attitude has to change – healthcare is unsustainable if we don’t empower patients with the information to look after themselves better. While security appears to be a concern for those not using the technology, it becomes much less so for those who do use it.’
Julia Manning, Chief Executive of 2020Health
