Cancer groups share £500k funding

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8206124.stm

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Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced how £500,000 of funding is to be shared across Wales to help improve cancer care and support.

The money will come from £4.5m of annual funding previously announced by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Nearly £160,000 will be shared between Wales' three cancer networks, where the assembly government's national cancer standards "are not being reached".

Ms Hart said it would help staff offer "best clinical practice and guidance".

The funding has been awarded on the recommendation of the cancer services co-ordinating group.

It includes £255,139 for Informing Healthcare, the assembly government's programme to introduce new ways of accessing, using and storing information.

Wales' three cancer networks will benefit from £158,385 to help them improve areas which do not meet the assembly government's standards on cancer care.

The National Leadership and Innovation Agency (NLIAH) will receive £71,476 to provide laparoscopic training for colorectal surgeons.

A further £15,000 will go to the All Wales Medical Strategy Group to support Wales Cancer Drugs Group.

Ms Hart said "Cancer is one of Wales' biggest killer diseases.

"This funding will help a number of organisations in Wales to comply with the National Cancer Services in Wales and will ensure that these organisations are able to offer best clinical practice and guidance in a very important area of work".