The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blood Cancer, which is chaired by Crawley MP Henry Smith, has launched an inquiry into blood cancer care in the NHS.

The inquiry announced today (Wednesday, 15th March) is the first undertaken by the group since its formation last year and will look at all aspects of blood cancer, including awareness, diagnosis, patient experience, commissioning of services and clinical research.

Henry said;

“Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and it’s my honour to chair this cross-party parliamentary group, particularly as we launch our first inquiry on blood cancer care.

“There are many differences in the patient journey compared to other cancers, and this inquiry will seek to understand more about the care patients are receiving, identify areas of best practice and recommend where improvements are required.

“I was pleased to raise the importance of this inquiry with the Prime Minister in the House of Commons earlier today, seeking assurances that the Government will work to tackle blood cancer, the third biggest cancer killer in our country.”

The inquiry will look at the areas of care identified as priorities in the Independent Cancer Taskforce’s Cancer Strategy for England 2015-2020. It will gain expert opinion from patients, clinicians, researchers and NHS staff, summarising findings and recommendations in a report to be published later this year.

As well as holding oral evidence sessions, the group is also inviting written evidence from patients and anyone involved in delivering blood cancer care. Submissions can be made via an online form, by email or through the post by 27th April.

The deadline for online and written responses to the inquiry is Thursday 27th April. The APPG Secretariat, provided by the blood cancer charity Bloodwise, will be managing all the responses and can be contacted at: [email protected]