Introduction

Cancer remains one of England’s biggest health challenges, and improving outcomes will require every part of the healthcare system to work together. The Government’s National Cancer Plan and NHS 10 Year Health Plan set an ambitious vision for earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, greater innovation and more personalised care.

The independent sector is already an established partner in delivering high-quality cancer care for both NHS and private patients, contributing across the entire cancer pathway—from diagnostics and treatment to rehabilitation and research. However, patients continue to experience unnecessary barriers as they move between NHS and independent providers.

This briefing demonstrates how independent providers are already supporting delivery of the Government’s ambitions and sets out six recommendations to strengthen collaboration, remove unnecessary friction between organisations and help more patients benefit from faster, more seamless cancer care.