Llais Press Notice: New lung screening programme a welcome step, but people must see the benefits quickly
Llais, the independent statutory body representing the voices of people across health and social care in Wales, has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement of a National Lung Screening Programme, due to be rolled out from 2027.
The programme, based on a successful pilot project with Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, is expected to help find and treat lung cancer earlier, and make sure more people have a fair chance of getting the care they need, no matter who they are or where they live.
Llais has worked with Public Health Wales in the development of this programme, with Angela Mutlow, Director of Operations at Llais, sitting on the Wales Screening Committee.
Angela Mutlow said:
“We welcome this significant investment in a national lung screening programme for Wales. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, and screening has the potential to save lives by catching disease earlier.
We now look forward to understanding more about the plans behind this week’s announcement, including whether there will be any support or targeted initiatives in place for people before the full programme launches in 2027.
It's also important to learn what has and hasn’t already worked in England, especially when it comes to how many people take up screening, how it's explained to the public, and whether everyone has a fair chance to access the screening.
As plans for the programme take shape, we want to know who will be able to take part and how people across Wales will be kept informed. Screening must be easy to access and designed around the real lives of people and communities.”
Llais will keep working with Public Health Wales to help make sure the programme focuses on what really matters to people; with clear information, fair access, and proper checks in place to make sure it delivers.
----------------------------------------------------
For media enquiries, please contact:
[email protected] or contact 02920 235558.
About Llais:
Llais was established in April 2023 as an independent statutory body to amplify the citizen voice in health and social care services across Wales. By collecting real-life stories and feedback, we work to make sure that services meet the needs of individuals and communities.
For more information about the work of Llais, visit www.llaiswales.org or contact 02920 235558.