ABERCONWY MS, Janet Finch-Saunders, has secured confirmation from the Welsh Government that three rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) will be established in the region in early 2022.

In a reply to Mrs Finch-Saunders’ written question, the Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan said: “It is a matter for the Health Board to determine where and how to site centres in order to meet the needs of its local population.

“The Health Board must also take into account how to achieve this objective alongside the delivery of standard pathways of cancer care and must continue to meet demand for non-cancer services within its available resources.”

The MS for Aberconwy said: “For a number of years, I have been calling for a network of rapid diagnostic centres to speed up test results and prevent repeat appointment to hospitals.

“These centres will increase the capacity of our Health Board, helping to save lives by ensuring that we close the gap between diagnosis and finding appropriate treatment.

“We know that early diagnosis and treatment is key to confronting these diseases.

Recent research from Macmillan Cancer Support has found that a fifth of those diagnosed with cancer in Wales in the past five years said they lacked specialist cancer support during their diagnosis or treatment.

RDCs have been shown to have a significant effect on diagnostic waits, with the pilot at Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Swansea Bay UHB cutting waiting times by up to 92% in its first year.

Mrs Finch-Saunders added: “Whilst I am pleased to have now secured this confirmation of a recruitment campaign, any RDCs must also ensure they have the right staff in place to support people from the point of diagnosis with any concerns or anxieties they may have.

“With this in mind, I will continue to press for greater detail over the delivery timetable and support plans.”