The Association of Cancer Physicians

Despite previous assurances that there would be no further top-down reorganisation of the NHS after the election that is exactly what has been proposed by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley; read the House of Commons statement and responses here. This is likely to have significant implications for secondary health providers such as oncologists, raises the possibility of increased competition from private providers, and risks fragmentation of local services. You can read interesting editorials at the BMJ here and eHealthInsider. Add your comments at the ACP forum at Doctors.net.

The Royal College of Physicians is now accepting applications to deliver the 2011 Linacre Lecture. Applicants must be Members or Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians who are under the age of 40 on the closing date for applications of 30 September 2010. Please see http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/trustfunds for further details or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As part of peer review all members of cancer MDTs are now expected to take part in a 3-day communication skills course. This initiative will hopefully improve the general standards of communication by healthcare professionals, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce complaints. However whether members of the MDT who have already done training should be targeted could be discussed and the significant resource implications need to be considered. Doctors.net now hosts a comprehensive microsite with more information. Otherwise you can read about the scheme here and here. Dr Pauline Leonard, a medical oncologist involved in setting up the programme was interviewed for the Daily Telegraph. Pauline has kindly provided answers to some of the questions you may have and also comments from previous course attendees.