In response to the publication of the Manual for Cancer Services (2004) site specific and cross cutting groups were established across the Network to address services for specific types of cancer and services that support them. The Network cross cutting groups are: 

• Acute Oncology/ Chemotherapy
• Non-surgical oncology (including radiotherapy)
• Specialist Palliative Care
• Imaging
• Pathology
• Research
• Public Health & Primary Care 

Similar to site specific groups, cross cutting groups have collective responsibility, delegated by the Network Executive Board, for the coordination and consistency across the Network for specific cancer policy, practice guidelines, audit, research and service improvement.  Each of these cross cutting groups will influence all the site specific groups. These groups are multidisciplinary, with representation from professionals across the patient care pathway as well as involvement and representation from patient and carers.

Network Cross Cutting groups have been established to:

• Act as the Network Executive Board’s primary source of opinion for the network
• Act as the Network Site Specific groups primary source of opinion for the Network ensuring effective two-way communication
• Advise and consult on service planning to ensure services are in line with national guidance in order to promote high quality care and reduce inequalities in service delivery
• Ensure Network decisions become integrated into local practice
• Monitor progress on meeting National Cancer Standards and ensure action plans agreed following Peer Review are implemented
• Promote links between teams and other relevant Network groups 

The key objectives of Network Site Specific Groups are to:

• Establish common referral and guidelines for the Network
• Engage in service improvement by using appropriate redesign tools and techniques via process mapping, capacity and demand measurement and redesign
• Agree and support an annual audit programme both at regional and local level
• Agree a common approach to research & development working with the Network research team, participating in nationally recognised studies whenever possible
• Consult with site specific groups as appropriate
• Identify emerging new cancer drug treatments and technologies which require appraisal by commissioners through the Peninsula Health Technology Appraisal process
• Support the development of education and training programmes for teams
• Support effective patient and carer involvement in service planning and delivery
• Produce an annual work plan and three year delivery plan, in line with National Peer Review standards

 There are currently 7 Network Cross Cutting in the Peninsula Cancer Network.

 Further information can be viewed by clicking the links on the left

For further information about any of these groups please contact Coral Styles, Network Group and Peer Review Manager at coral.styles@nhs.net