Cancer Plan for Children and Young People in Scotland 2012-15

What does success look like?

We aim to have a model of care in Scotland that is the best in the world. There will be a whole systems approach with strong leadership working across NHS Board boundaries. Service delivery will be consistent across Scotland, and the focus will be on delivering safe services as locally as possible. Pathways of care must be clear and consistent, and all children and young people with a diagnosis of cancer should have access to appropriate clinical trials, which will be organised and governed through a national facility.

Patient care is at the heart of the service model with patients and their families being involved in their care decisions. We will minimise delays in diagnosis, and aim to meet patient expectations by providing access to the best possible care underpinned by strong academia and research. Age appropriate care should be available to all patients along with appropriate transition arrangements.

To achieve such success NHS Scotland has identified a number of Critical Success Factors for the MSN and these are summarised below.

The MSN will

• Develop a single, cohesive, and sustainable service for Scotland, including a children and young people's cancer plan, and guidance on service development, supported by robust shared care arrangements and an MDT way of working.
• Develop a governance framework that supports the work of the MSN, and ensures the safety of children and young people with cancer.
• Ensure that all children in Scotland with a diagnosis of cancer have the opportunity to be included in an appropriate clinical trial.
• Develop and monitor standards, protocols and guidance including patient pathways and transition arrangements.
• Develop data standards and supporting systems to ensure consistent data collection.
• Build on the work of CATSCAN while supporting its transition into the clinical governance and quality arm of the MSN.
• Ensure patient involvement at all levels, including Network activities and monitor patient satisfaction.
• Develop sub-specialisation including agreeing referral guidelines and advising on strategic workforce issues including key appointments.
• Lead on the establishment of a robust eHealth strategy, supporting the functioning of MDTs and delivery of services.
• Arrange mutual support between units to be implemented when required.
• Lead on national education and training issues, research, and establishment of a national academic resource.
• Promote the early detection of cancer in children and young people.
• Ensure that the work of the MSN is widely communicated to all stakeholders.