Cancer survival rates among the best in England

MP's on the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer reported patients in the area showed the most improvement nationally in 1 year cancer survival rates between 2011 and 2012.

In Southport and Formby, 72% of patients survived cancer for more than 12 months against 70% the previous year and in West Lancashire the figure was 72.2% against 70.1% in 2011.

Survival rates were already above the national average of 69% and the figures also showed West Lancashire in the top 10 best performing areas of the country.

Dr Paul Mansour, clinical lead for cancer and deputy medical director at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said:- "I am delighted to see that our areas are the 2 most improved areas in the entire country for one-year cancer survival. This is very good news for our patients because these improvements reflect earlier diagnosis and earlier, better treatment of cancer. The figures also speak volumes about the hard work and professionalism of our fantastic cancer teams, local GPs and NHS commissioning colleagues."

People who survive cancer after 1 year are more likely to be alive 5 years later, matching Nordic countries which have some of the best cancer survival rates in Europe. However, where the UK as a whole is significantly weaker than Nordic countries is in making sure patients reach the important 1-year anniversary.

Early diagnosis is a key factor in treating cancer effectively and it is believed many people leave it too late, reducing their chances of surviving more than a year.

For example, around a quarter of cancer patients in England are diagnosed as emergency cases which means they are on average twice as likely to die within a year compared to people diagnosed by an urgent GP referral.

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and Cancer Lead for NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:- "It is extremely gratifying to see that the work we are doing as a CCG, together with the hospital and our wider partners, is beginning to make a real difference to the lives of our patients. We know there is more to do but we are clearly making good progress. To strengthen this further, we are putting new systems in place to make sure that people coming to see their GP with concerns have much quicker access to cancer testing, which we know makes a real difference to their treatment, recovery and survival."

Dr Jack Kinsey, Macmillan GP and GP executive lead for NHS West Lancashire CCG said:- "The report showed West Lancashire is in the top 10 for best one year cancer survival rate. This is good news for West Lancashire patients and is a tribute to the hard work of local GPs and the hospitals and other services that our patients use. We will continue to work hard and improve our position."

The Trust is joining forces with Macmillan Cancer Information and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group at a free health and well-being clinic in Southport on Thursday 9 July. The event at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is an opportunity to find out how to access local support, information and advice to help patients and their families adjust to life with and beyond cancer. It will run from 4pm to 6.30pm. Places are free but limited, booking is essential. For information or to book a place contact Helen, Barbara or Sarah at the Southport Macmillan Information and Support Centre on 0151 288 6893 or SFCCG.macmillancic@nhs.net.

Student accommodation review hearings to take place

HEARINGS are to take place to gather evidence as part of a review of student accommodation in Liverpool. The review is looking at the suitability and viability of the current student accommodation offer in the City Centre; the need for growth to meet future demand and the impact on the City Centre   and other affected areas of continuing to grow the accommodation. It follows moves by developers in recent years to create large scale student flats in the City Centre which are generally good quality, with a range of facilities and close to universities.  The review group; made up of Councillors and representatives from each of the student, university and developer communities; will meet on the 14 July, 15 July and 16 July 2015, at Liverpool Town Hall, and hear the views of a range of stakeholder groups. The evidence will feed in to establishing the Council's policy on future Student Accommodation development. Councillor Frank Hont, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:- "Ensuring a supply of high quality, appropriately located homes is a priority for the City Council. Students make a significant contribution to our communities and this review will ensure that the Council is able to meet the needs of all interested stakeholders." Anyone wishing to present information to the Committee should send an email.  Information can either be provided in the form of a presentation to the Committee or via written submission.  The final report and recommendations will be finalised over the summer and considered by the Cabinet.