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Patients in Scotland lack access to cancer drugs


More than a third of oncologists and haematologists in Scotland are aware of cancer patients relocating England for 'better' treatment.

According to a study of 28 consultants by research firm Aldelphi, funded by pharmaceutical company Roche, n

More than a third of oncologists and haematologists in Scotland are aware of cancer patients relocating England for 'better' treatment.

According to a study of 28 consultants by research firm Aldelphi, funded by pharmaceutical company Roche, nearly all (96 per cent) consider access to cancer therapies to be 'better' in England than Scotland, with half saying restricted access has lowered Scotland's standard of care compared to the rest of Europe.

Cancer clinicians list 34 drugs rejected by the Scottish Medicines Consortium to which they would like better access.

In January, the Scottish Government launched a £21m Rare Conditions Medicines Fund but it is not clear if this will be available for cancer medicines.