In Primary care cancer leads
• Supporting PCCLs in projects
• PCCL conferences
• Resources
• Genetics Partnership Programme
Primary Care Cancer Leads (PCCLs) are clinicians (mainly GPs and nurses) who act as clinical 'champions' for improving cancer services across their local health economy. They aim to ensure the primary care voice is represented within secondary and tertiary care and also at a Cancer Network level. Their other role is to keep cancer a priority service issue at a local PCT level.
Macmillan has supported PCCLs in England since 2001 through the Macmillan Support Programme (MSP). In 2004 the MSP became UK-wide to support PCCLs (and their equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) in the development and implementation of the evolving NHS primary care cancer strategy. The programme offered PCCLs development opportunities through peer support and project funding and held bi-annual conferences which strengthened national networking opportunies for this emergent clinical community.
The MSP formally concluded in December 2006 as its aims for sustainability had been successfully achieved. The PCCL posts have now become embedded in the PCT and Cancer Network infrastructure and Macmillan is continuing to work with PCCLs through strengthening relationships with the Macmillan community of clinicians and managers.
Further support
If you would like further information please contact Heather Stephens by email at heather@innove.info. Heather can provide you with information on all aspects of the PCCL role and signpost you to other resources including helping you make connections with other PCCLs. All PCCL clinicians are asked to provide the coordinators above with a current email address in order to provide the monthly updates.