A new consultation manifesto from Macmillan Cancer Support, published on Wednesday, is calling on all political parties in
Walesto make cancer a priority in their Assembly election manifestos in 2007. The leading cancer care charity is calling on the next Assembly Government to deliver a cancer strategy in order to ring-fence money for cancer care and treatment inWalesfor the first time.Walescurrently has National Cancer Standards, but a cancer strategy would go further by setting out clear and comprehensive commitments to improve cancer services and support across the whole of the public sector.
Macmillan has launched the manifesto for a three month consultation period and are particularly interested to hear from people affected by cancer inWales. The manifesto also calls for the urgent implementation of the ban on smoking, for all waiting times’ targets to be met across the whole ofWalesand for more patient involvement for the development of better cancer services inWales.
Cath Lindley, General Manager forWales, said: 'Englandhas had a cancer plan, with ring-fenced money, for a number of years and our colleages inWestminsterare now lobbying hard for a second cancer plan. We are convinced that top class services inWalescan only come about through the development of a comprehensive cancer strategy forWales.
‘This manifesto is being put out to consultation today, to make sure that it is rooted in the patient experience. We urge anybody who has an interest in cancer to take the time to read our draft and let us know if we are getting it right.’
Copies of the manifesto are available to download here or by calling 01446 775679.
Manifesto - English[PDF, 194 kb]
Manifesto - Welsh[PDF, 210 kb]
For more information, please call Macmillan’s Press Office inWaleson 01446 776072.
Notes to Editors
1.The consultation manifesto will be launched on Wednesday 21 June at5.45pm(speeches at6.15pm) in the Senedd building,CardiffBay
2.The reception, with light refreshments, is sponsored by Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, Chair of the Health and Social Services Committee.
3.Copies of the manifesto will be available frommidday,Wednesday21 June 2006.