ABSTRACT
The Calman-Hine Plan was in a formal sense 'evidence based'. The evidence review that was included in the plan was a powerful influence over its development. This developmental and relatively non-prescriptive approach defined by the Calman-Hine Report had the merit of leaving further work and implementation in the hands of healthcare commissioners, providers and a wide range of healthcare professionals. The service framework proposed in the Calman-Hine document was briskly debated. Criticisms came from several directions. The Calman-Hine Report recommended that substantial growth was necessary in the provision of non-surgical oncology support to district hospitals. A minimum of five sessions per cancer unit was recommended. The NHS Cancer Plan, which was published in September 2000, describes a five year plan for cancer services development. Both the Calman-Hine Report and the NHS Cancer Plan emphasise the importance of establishing functional networks of primary, secondary and tertiary care to deliver cancer services.
