Five changes needed to Scottish cancer policy to support necessary transformation of services

Whilst Scottish healthcare policy has not yet set a clear direction for service transformation needed in lieu of budgetary constraints, it is important that policy makers are cognisant of where policy can support healthcare professionals to overcome barriers to service development, and better meet demand. An analysis of Scottish cancer policy is presented, informed by learning gained from supporting development of cancer services as a practitioner, insights from undertaking health service research, and known barriers to service developments. This paper is structured as five recommendations to policy-makers: the need to develop a shared understanding of quality care between policy makers and healthcare professionals to guide service development in the same direction; revisiting of partnership working given developing health and social care landscape; empowerment of national and regional networks and working groups to develop and implement Gold Standard care in speciality services; sustainability in the development of cancer services; and development of guidance relating to how services should be using and developing patient capacities. •Scottish Cancer policy implements a programme of quality assurance, which has been extrapolated through the QPI programme.•There is a need for Scottish cancer policy to better reflect the full potential of community care.•Managed Cancer Networks and National Networks require investment as vehicles for internationally excellent cancer care.•Refinement of sustainability is needed in Scottish cancer policy to embed service development and innovation as routine.•Clearer guidance is needed on the reasonable expectations that healthcare professionals can have on patient involvement.