Conclusion

Improving cancer outcomes will require more than additional capacity alone. It will depend on delivering earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, greater innovation and more personalised care through a healthcare system that works seamlessly around the needs of patients rather than organisational boundaries.

The independent sector is already making a significant contribution to these ambitions. Every day, independent providers diagnose cancer, deliver NHS-funded and privately funded treatment, support rehabilitation and survivorship, invest in new technologies and expand access to research and clinical trials. The examples in this briefing demonstrate that successful collaboration between the NHS and independent sector is already improving outcomes for patients across England.

The next step is to remove the barriers that continue to prevent patients from benefiting from fully integrated care. By creating seamless referral pathways, improving interoperability, strengthening multidisciplinary working and making better use of patient choice and available capacity, the Government can build on existing partnerships to deliver the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.

Cancer does not recognise organisational boundaries. By ensuring the health system works as one, we can give every patient the best possible chance of an earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and better outcomes.