Opportunity and optimism: Four months with a cancer network

Time is an important variable in cancer care and yet the National Health Service (NHS) is under duress. In circumstances like this, how can patient journey times be shortened and performance improved? During my training in clinical oncology I acquired an interest in healthcare organisation and delivery. I was, therefore, fortunate to have the opportunity to explore these and other issues when I was seconded to the south east of Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN) last year. I joined SCAN just as they were embarking on major reviews of regional breast cancer and chemotherapy service provision. This was the first such secondment undertaken by the SCAN Executive and the following paper describes my time with the network. Although it is clear that the challenges are great, with deft leadership and an organisation that makes the most of its talented workers, it appears that there are real possibilities to enhance clinical systems and patient care.