Members of Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board have approved proposals to retain changes made to local Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) service which were made during the pandemic. The matter is now subject to approval by Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson, before the temporary changes can be made permanent.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Director of Acute Services Joanne Edwards said:
“In early 2023, Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board agreed that a three-month period of consultation would take place between 13 February and 19 May. During the consultation, we shared details on the updated delivery model for SACT services with local communities so that people could give their feedback and views on the proposal to retain the changes that have been made.
“Since the conclusion of the consultation, the responses given were collated and analysed, and in August a report was submitted for Board members to consider. It was also published on our website for members of the public to view.
“Healthcare Improvement Scotland also published their ‘Report on NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s consultation on Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy services’ earlier this month, confirming our local engagement activity had met with national Planning with People guidelines.
“We welcome the Board members’ decision to approve the proposals to retain changes made to SACT services in Ayrshire during the pandemic and now await consideration by the Cabinet Secretary ahead of a final decision.
“We also thank people across Ayrshire who took the time to participate in our consultation and engagement, which has helped us to ensure we understand the impact of retaining the changes going forward.”
ENDS
Background
- Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) is a collective term for all anti-cancer drug treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board papers are available here: https://www.nhsaaa.net/about-us/meetings-and-papers/nhs-ayrshire-arran-board/