The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and Cancer Research UK have appointed Professor Greg Rubin (pictured) to lead a new clinical partnership focusing on cancer in primary care.
Professor Rubin, who is a professor of general practice and primary care at Durham University, will be working as an adviser to Cancer Research UK on issues affecting cancer treatment in primary care.
His appointment marks the start of a five-year partnership programme between the two partner organisations that will aim to inform, improve and innovate cancer care in general practice.
The Clinical Lead for Cancer position is the first of its kind, and is being funded by Cancer Research UK in recognition of the vital role GPs play both in early diagnosis of cancer, and throughout the cancer pathway.
Cancer is the first of the RCGP’s new ‘enduring priorities’ – a five-year programme that focuses on conditions with a large impact on public health and public health policy. The College will work in close partnership with Cancer Research UK and with other key stakeholders for the duration of the programme, which also aims to:
- Develop and implement a joint Cancer Research UK / RCGP strategy focusing initially on improving early diagnosis of cancer in primary care.
- Identify areas for improvement in cancer diagnosis and care in general practice and develop best practice models and guidance supported by learning toolkits and educational resources.
- Assess and promote proven clinical pathways of care in general practice to support and inform commissioners.
- Embed improvements in general practice via the GP curriculum, where appropriate, as well as using GP networks to promote best practice and learning.
In addition, the College and Cancer Research UK will encourage the full engagement of patients, relatives and carers in the process of care by promoting models of participation.
Professor Greg Rubin said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to lead this important initiative. Making cancer its first enduring priority sends a clear signal of the RCGP’s commitment to high quality care in this field.
“In the past few years, we have come to understand just how important a part GPs play in the diagnosis as well as the after-care of patients with cancer. I will be working with the NHS, the cancer charities and others so that the RCGP can add value to the good work that is already being done.”