Blood cancer patients need fairer access to vital tests as community diagnostic centres expand
United Kingdom
Today (Monday 18th August), Blood Cancer UK welcomes the expansion of out-of-hours appointments at Community Diagnostic Centres but says more must be done to tackle regional variation and speed up testing, with blood cancer survival falling behind those of similar countries.
For Community Diagnostic Centres to be of most benefit to people with blood cancer, we also want to see a commitment to end regional variation in diagnostic testing practice
- Laura Challinor, Blood Cancer UK
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that 100 Community Diagnostic Centres across England are now offering extended opening hours, with services running 12 hours a day, seven days a week - including evenings and weekends. The move is intended to make it easier for patients to access vital tests and scans around everyday commitments, including work and caring responsibilities.
Laura Challinor, Senior Policy Manager at Blood Cancer UK said:
“It’s imperative that everyone affected by blood cancer can readily access the diagnostic tests and appointments they need. With blood cancer being the UK’s third biggest cancer killer and survival lagging behind countries of similar wealth and health, doing all we can to turn that tide is critical. We therefore welcome the expansion of more flexible, out-of-hours appointments in Community Diagnostic Centres to help ensure people can access tests closer to home and at times that suit them. However, for Community Diagnostic Centres to be of most benefit to people with blood cancer, we also want to see a commitment to end regional variation in diagnostic testing practice, including Full Blood Count (FBC) tests available for those presenting with non-specific symptoms, and timed diagnostic pathways developed for blood cancers.”
