PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN HAS PLEDGED FREE ONE-TO-ONE HOME CARE by specialist nurses for cancer sufferers - paid for by reducing hospital admissions.

In a speech to the King's Fund, Mr Brown said:

'It's not fair that so many people already struggling with the loss of independence - who have worked hard all their lives and saved for their retirement - are faced with the prospect of running down their savings or selling their homes to fund their care.

'Or that those seeing their parents and grandparents suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia not only have to watch as their dignity fades, but have the heartbreak made worse by the costs of getting support.

'So I'm proud that we are about to bring forward a new system of social care that will directly benefit many families of middle Britain."

Shona has voiced her support for the improved care.

'This is fantastic. It comes on top ot Labour's promise that everyone suspected of cancer will be able to see a consultant within two weeks - a pledge that the Tories refuse to match.

'Cancer touches all families and early diagnosis and treatment it vital. Being able to see a specialist quickly means that more people will have their illness treated successfully. Let's face it, we don't have to go back very far when cancer really was a death sentence. 

'The Tories refuse to back out plans, which shows that beneath the airbrushed posters, they are the same old Tory party.'

The Prime Minister explained that the new proposals would be legally enforceable patient guarantees. Patients not offered care meeting guaranteed standards will have the right to be treated privately with the costs met by the NHS.

In addition to the guarentee to see a cancer specialist within two weeks of referral, other guarantees include:

- All cancer test results within 1 week.

- A waiting times guarantee, that all patients will be offered hospital treatment within no more than 18 weeks of seeing their GP.

- A GP access guarantee, that all patients will be able to register with a GP open into evenings and weekends.

- A guarantee of a regular healthcheck on the NHS for everyone over 40.

- In the care system a guarantee that all those with the highest needs being looked after in their own homes will receive free personal care.

8 February 2010