Take action to future-proof the workforce
Because people with blood cancer need a robust and well-resourced workforce to receive a timely diagnosis and better care.
> UK Blood Cancer Action Plan
The problem: a workforce on its knees
Critical staff shortages within the NHS are placing immense pressure on healthcare professionals. Some professionals are leaving the workforce faster than they are joining, resulting in a deepening reliance on one-off members of staff that cost the NHS much more.
These shortages are also restricting access to new medicines and treatments and are also intensifying concerns about patient safety. Shockingly, soon-to-retire blood cancer consultants and nurses reveal they not only feel guilty about retiring but also fear they are not leaving services in safe hands.
The findings: what the blood cancer workforce told us
- "We are still running with staffing numbers from 10 to 15 years ago".
- "I don’t leave the ward feeling certain everything’s going to go alright overnight."
- "I really hope we can continue to deliver the best care, but right now, across the UK, I know that 68% of consultant haematologists have reported staff gaps."
Refer your patients to us
To shape a workforce that is future-proof, healthcare professionals need an established route to patient support referral. That's why we've developed a referral service that will provide people affected by blood cancer with the support they need.
The action: write to your political representative
We have set out recommendations for the NHS to address the fact that blood cancer survival is being overshadowed because of an under-resourced health service. Our recommendations include implementing safe staffing numbers and support for Clinical Nurse Specialists who are the backbone of blood cancer care.
Whether you are a healthcare professional or someone affected by blood cancer, you have the power to take action today to shape a better and brighter blood cancer workforce by writing to your political representative about these challenges.
We know your time is limited and that's why we've done all the work for you: wherever you live in the UK, our tool will get your letter to the right person, and get it worded right. If you hear back from your local representative, please forward any responses onto our policy team.
Because anyone can take action today that could make a difference tomorrow.
UK Blood Cancer Action Plan at a glance
Digest a summary of our report which includes our key findings and recommendations for health and government bodies across the UK.
Stay updated on latest opportunities
We currently have a number of opportunities for healthcare professionals and people affected by blood cancer to help shape our work. Sign up to our Involvement Network to get the latest updates on how you can get involved.
We will keep you updated about our work and the ways you can help, including campaigns and events. We promise to respect your privacy and we will never sell or swap your details.
More opportunities for healthcare professionals
We have a number of opportunities for healthcare professionals and their organisations to get involved with our work, including the opportunity to become a pilot hospital and taking part in a project to improve access to clinical trials for minority groups. You can explore these current projects and get involved directly, or join our Healthcare Professionals Network.
The Blood Cancer Action Plan has been funded by BMS, Gilead, J&J, MSD, Novartis and Takeda in 2023 and 2024. These organisations provided funding but had no further input.