Integrated cancer systems
The agreed model of care set out of the expectation that providers would work together in integrated systems, called provider networks, to deliver seamless cancer care. During the process of engagement the language of provider networks was often interpreted to mean the existing cancer networks. To avoid confusion the term integrated cancer systems is now being used.
An integrated cancer system is defined as a group of providers that come together in a formal, governed way to provide comprehensive, seamless cancer patient pathways. These systems, rather than individual organisations, will be commissioned to deliver pathways of care from next April. We are expecting two or three to serve the London population.
We have worked with London’s hospital providers and the cancer community to develop a specification for an integrated cancer system and we now calling for NHS providers to respond to this proposal. Trusts are asked to outline which system they will form and respond collectively by the end of June with their governance arrangements and how they will implement the model of care. Supporting documents have also been published alongside this specification.
The implementation team will provide ongoing support to the trusts and the timeline below provides an overview of the process with key dates included.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of outline specification Following April 4th providers were asked to work together to decide which integrated cancer system they wish to be in and how they will respond to the requirements set out in the specification. The specification outlines both the vision for integrated cancer systems and what responses will be expected. | 4 April 2011 (completed) |
| Preliminary provider returns due The initial returns from providers have outlined early details, such as such as the nominated lead for ongoing support and initial discussions that have taken place regarding governance models.This return also provided an opportunity for providers to give feedback on the outline and further shape the specification. Comments will be taken into account and a final specification will be issued to providers on 3 May, accompanied with guidance documents and the necessary template forms to allow the submission of formal integrated cancer system bids. | 20 April 2011 (completed) |
| Support for bid development This will include a period of support from the implementation team to providers to help develop their final submission against the integrated cancer system specification. | Apr/May/Jun 2011 |
| Deadline for bid submission Final submissions outlining how integrated cancer systems propose to improve outcomes by meeting the specification and the recommendations of the model of care and co-dependencies framework will be submitted by 30th June. These responses will be submitted by proposed integrated cancer systems, not individual providers. | 30 June 2011 |
| Assurance process A formal clinically led assurance process, involving national and international clinical and system experts will take place on the submissions throughout this period. | July – Aug 2011 |
