Chief Executive response to DOH

Today, Thursday 18 February 2010, Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced that the NHS is to provide more care at home

In response Lorraine Clifton, CLIC Sargent’s Chief Executive says:

“CLIC Sargent knows that spending more time at home during treatment is the number one priority for children and young people with cancer so we wholeheartedly welcome today’s announcement. Our More Than My Illness report found that enabling children and young people with cancer to go home during their treatment helps them to maintain a normal family life and to continue with their education.

“CLIC Sargent is the only charity to provide all round care and support for children and young people with cancer and their families, in hospital, in the community and at home. We see first-hand the value to the child and family of providing care at home.

“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure children and young people with cancer receive the best possible care and support in the community and at home with access to a key worker who can coordinate care and support.”

CLIC Sargent’s report More Than My Illness recommends a new model of joined up service delivery for children and young people with cancer (and other complex health needs) that spans the health, education and social care sectors. It provides a toolkit for commissioners which will help them ensure that every child’s care and treatment is coordinated, and that they are able to safely leave hospital and spend more time at home during their treatment.  For more information see: http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Whatwedo/Research/MoreThanMyIllness

More Than My Illness aims to support the full implementation of the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) Guidance Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People with Cancer.

For further media information please contact CLIC Sargent’s Press Office on 20 8752 2812 or 0117 314 8653 or out-of-hours on 08448 481 189. top of page