Report outlines recommendations to improve access to NHS radiotherapy treatment

A new report has outlined eight recommendations in order for NHS England to maintain and sustain high-quality radiotherapy services.

One of the guidelines included is that NHS England should aim for a maximum of 45 minutes travel time for radiotherapy appointments.

The report, from a coalition of stakeholders including leaders from patient groups, academia, government and the private sector, makes several recommendations in an attempt to improve and expand access to advanced radiotherapy services in the UK.

It is designed to support NHS England in delivering on its goal to ensure equal access to radiotherapy services and provide the best clinical outcomes and experience for people with cancer and their families.

Pat Price, chair of the board of trustees at Action Radiotherapy, said: “Radiotherapy is a life-saving and cost-effective treatment option but many people in the UK do not have reasonable access to it. We want all patients to have access to the best radiotherapy for their cancer. More appropriately resourcing of radiotherapy is crucial to providing better outcomes for patients.”

Its release comes amidst calls for increased funding by the all-party parliamentary group for radiotherapy.

Currently, the NHS spends 5% of its budget on radiotherapy services although around 50% of cancer patients will need radiotherapy as a part of their treatment.

The report builds upon a public petition led by the charity Action Radiotherapy. The petition asks to increase the NHS Cancer budget dedicated to radiotherapy from 5% to 6.5%, and a one-time £250 million investment to modernise existing machines and build satellite radiotherapy centres to ensure accessible service nationwide.

Scott Whitaker, CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed): “Our member companies research and develop cutting-edge radiotherapy technology that provides safe, effective treatment and that can help manage almost every type of cancer. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this dialogue and help shape the recommendations that will bring the UK one step closer to providing advanced radiotherapy treatments to all patients who need it.”

The release of these recommendations comes following the release of the APPG Radiotherapy manifesto and public petition, which requests the need for improved radiotherapy services in the UK.