NHS Forth Valley urged to act to deliver best possible care for men
MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, has called on NHS Forth Valley to implement Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist as a first step towards delivering the best possible care and support for men with the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK has produced the Quality Checklist to be used as a best practice guide for men and clinicians in a bid to drive up standards and deliver more uniform levels of care and support. The Checklist sets out 15 standards for care and support that men with prostate cancer should expect and demand on the NHS, from their point of diagnosis onwards.
The document has been endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the British Association of Urological Nurses, the British Uro-oncology Group and the Society and College of Radiographers. Prostate Cancer UK, and a cross party alliance of MSPs, are calling on all Scottish health boards to back the document and ensure it is distributed to all men who are diagnosed with the disease.
Keith Brown MSP said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is predicted to be the most common cancer overall by 2030. Despite this, we know that the quality of care and support men with the disease receive varies significantly throughout Scotland. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to ensure all men with prostate cancer get the care and support they need, regardless of where they live. That’s why I’m delighted to back Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist, and call on NHS Forth Valley to implement it as soon as possible to help all men who are diagnosed with this terrible disease.
Drew Lindon, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “There is growing evidence of gaps and variation in prostate cancer care and support in Scotland. 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 deliver a better quality of life in the future.
"We are delighted that Keith Brown MSP has joined a growing movement showing support for men with prostate cancer by endorsing our Quality Checklist. I urgently call on cancer networks, health boards and health care professionals to follow their lead. Men with prostate cancer deserve the best, and Prostate Cancer UK is absolutely determined that’s exactly what they are going to get.
Prostate Cancer UK is working closely with men and their families, healthcare providers, politicians and health care professionals to ensure that the Checklist is adopted and implemented throughout Scotland. To view the Quality Checklist please visit: www.prostatecanceruk.org/qualitycare
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About Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. We support men and provide vital information. We find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And we lead change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. We believe that men deserve better.
Anyone concerned about prostate cancer can call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday and from 7 - 9pm on Wednesdays.
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK.
- Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
- Every hour one man dies from prostate cancer.
- African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men of the same age.