A charity founded in the Midlands to support people with head and neck cancer has welcomed the Government’s plans to invest heavily in England’s broken health system.
The Chancellor confirmed a 10-year plan with a £22.6bn increase in the day-to-day health budget as part of the 2024 Autumn Statement. She also announced a £31bn increase in capital spending.
The measures will create two million extra NHS appointments per year to bring down waiting lists and amongst other things fund new surgical hubs, scanners and radiotherapy machines.
Danni Heath, director of the Get A-Head Charitable Trust which supports people with head and neck diseases, particularly cancer, said: “A report published earlier this month revealed that head and neck cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in England.
“Not only this but a BBC investigation a month earlier found that head and neck cancer patients face the longest wait for treatment.
“With these two things in mind, we very much welcome the news that the Government is committed to transforming our very broken NHS system.
“We welcome plans to reduce waiting lists, additional capital investment to reduce waiting times and funding for new surgical hubs, scanners and radiotherapy machines. It’s a really positive step forward.
“However, we would ask the Government to ensure that a fair proportion of this new funding directly supports people with head and neck cancers and that this new funding is distributed in a way which addresses the vast inequalities which exist across England and Wales when it comes to head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“This reform is decades overdue. NHS funding to support diagnosis and treatment for head and neck cancer patients has been woeful for years.
“The doctors, consultants, nurses and other healthcare staff who work tirelessly to support patients have continued to do an excellent job despite years of underfunding, but they deserve better. They need investment, enhanced support and a better system.
“This is an opportunity to make a real change. A chance to make a real difference. It’s critical we get this right for everyone.”
Get A-Head was founded 30 years ago with the sole aim of supporting people with head and neck diseases, particularly cancer.
The charity funds ground-breaking research, cutting-edge technology and equipment and education to improve the quality of life for people with head and neck diseases.
It has raised more than £10million in its three decades of existence.
