Ian Murray MP pledges to back Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist
The MP for Edinburgh South has pledged to support the swift implementation of a Prostate Cancer UK initiative in South Edinburgh to help men with prostate cancer receive the best possible care and support, regardless of where they live.
This comes as new analysis uncovered variations in the care that men with prostate cancer receive across the whole of the UK. The evidence further highlights that, despite recent improvements, the disease lags behind the treatment of other common cancers in key areas such as availability of Specialist Nurses, provision of information and support.
In a bid to help stamp out these inequalities, Prostate Cancer UK has produced a Quality Checklist to be used as a best practice guide for men and clinicians. The checklist sets out 15 national standards for care and support that men with prostate cancer should expect and demand, from the point of their diagnosis through to the end of their life.
Ian showed his support for the Quality Checklist at a campaigning event held at Westminster this week where he met with people affected by prostate cancer from across the country.
Ian said: ““Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and is set to be the most common cancer overall by 2030. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to ensure all men with the disease get the care and support they need. I am therefore delighted to endorse Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist, and call on NHS Lothian to ensure it is adopted as soon as possible”
Dr Sarah Cant, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “There are over 250,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK, many of whom have to make difficult treatment choices or cope with tough side effects. It’s not good enough that that they also face a postcode lottery when it comes to the quality of support and information they receive to deal with this. It is vital that every man with prostate cancer has access to the world class information, care and support he needs and deserves if we are to help men have a better quality of life in the future.”
“We are delighted that Ian Murray MP has shown his support for men with prostate cancer by endorsing our Quality Checklist and urgently call on healthcare providers and commissioners to follow Ian’s lead. Men with prostate cancer deserve the best, and we’re absolutely determined that’s exactly what they are going to get.”
The charity is working closely with men and their families, healthcare providers, politicians and health professionals to ensure that the checklist is adopted and implemented throughout the UK.
To view the Quality Checklist please visit www.prostatecanceruk.org/qualitycare
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