A Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria

Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs)

The Cancer Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs) are the source of expert clinical and professional opinion from which advice is sought on a wide range of cancer services issues. CRGs adopt an evidence-based approach, incorporating national best practice guidance into local practice to ensure common standards and pathways for cancer patients.

In Lancashire and South Cumbria, Cancer CRGs are established for tumour-specific pathways and cross cutting themes such as chemotherapy, psychology, and acute oncology.

The groups are made up of health professionals from the acute trusts in the strategic clinical network footprint.

The groups meet three times per year, holding two to three business meetings and one educational/audit meeting.

Role and purpose (tumour/pathway specific groups)

The role of the CRG is to ensure co-ordination of the cancer pathway and consistency of clinical practice irrespective of where treatment is provided.

This includes:

• Identifying and raising awareness of population needs

• Service monitoring including clinical performance and patient outcomes

• Workforce development

• Increasing research capacity

• Implementation of clinical guidelines

• Development of local pathways and service specifications

• Responding to concerns or inequalities raised through monitoring processes

• Advising on matters relating to service reconfiguration

These key functions will inform the development of the Cancer CRG work plans.