Improving outcomes in gynaecological cancer: the impact of centralisation on patient flows and service provision

Responses to a postal questionnaire and cancer registry data were utilised to evaluate the impact of the recent NHS Executive guidelines for the management of gynaecological malignancies on patient flows and service provision in the West Midlands. They were also used to assess the service provision in the west midlands in relation to these guidelines. Eighty-nine per cent (16/18) trusts returned completed questionnaires. Seventy-two per cent (46/64) of recommendations were achieved by all four centres; 18% (10/57) by all 12 units. The cancer registration data revealed 404 cases that would need to be transferred to the cancer centres per annum in order to implement the guidelines. A more detailed analysis for the northern area of the region estimated that a further 120 cases per annum would need to be managed at the main centre. This study has shown that implementation of the guidelines will require significant shifts in patient flows. This will increase workloads for the cancer centre and have an impact on service provision and resource allocation.