RCR welcomes King’s Fund support for reforming cancer MDT working
The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has responded to a report by the King’s Fund on delivering the National Cancer Plan for England.
The report highlights a severe shortage of radiologists and clinical oncologists, and the need to reform cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) working. The government has asked the RCR to formally review opportunities to modernise MDT working.
Dr Nicky Thorp, Vice-President for Clinical Oncology at the RCR, said:
“We are pleased to see the King’s Fund support much-needed overhaul of cancer MDT working.
At their worst, inefficient MDT meetings delay patient care and miss opportunities to connect patients with potentially life-saving clinical trials. But at their best, MDT meetings can have the opposite effect, by supporting high quality, timely, and equitable patient care, informed by the right experts at the right time.
The RCR has been asked to lead a review of ways to improve cancer MDT working. We look forward to working with colleagues across the health system to ensure any changes have the greatest possible benefit for patients.”
Notes to editors
- Media contact: [email protected] 02038054065
- The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) is the leading professional membership body for clinical radiologists and clinical oncologists
- Clinical radiologists are specialist doctors who use imaging to diagnose, monitor and treat diseases and injuries
- Clinical oncologists are specialist doctors who manage cancer and prescribe drug-based treatments and radiotherapy