Implement the Cancer Recovery Plan

Our verdict

Background

The National Cancer Recovery Plan was published in December 2020. The plan aims to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and contains 68 separate action points and targets to be undertaken or met by the Scottish Government by March 2023.

Status

The Scottish Government have already implemented some of the measures outlined in the plan, such as the creation of early diagnostic centres and initiatives to reduce treatment waiting times. Many of the plan’s action points represent continuations of existing initiatives. As such, this promise is considered in progress. Its eventual fulfilment status will be assessed in relation to whether most of the plan was achieved.

“Investment for cancer services” (Scottish Government, 09th Dec 2020)

“Improving cancer waiting times” (Scottish Government, 28th June 2021)

“New services to help find cancer sooner” (Scottish Government, 11th June 2021)

“Prehabilitation for cancer patients” (Scottish Government, 5th August 2021)

Other pledges

This promise incorporates some of the more specific ones made in the SNP manifesto, such as the pledge to open diagnostic centres by the end of May 2021.