FOI 2025/1266

1. Please can you provide a copy of the document where your integrated care board implements the priority patient group set out in in ‘Oral healthcare provision for cancer pathways’ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.england.nhs.uk%2Flong-read%2Foral-healthcare-provision-for-cancer-pathways%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnhsgm.foi%40nhs.net%7C6c77d0f72f1146943a6c08ddae658383%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C1%7C638858473204586068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eBmrzoOhfUg%2BXs9SUYlHhMwsZMR1WXgW7HDkugzevrc%3D&reserved=0) in the first paragraph of section 4 ‘Pathway Development’ thereof, which states “ICBs should review and ensure prioritised access for appropriate oral health assessment, prevention (advice and interventions), and treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer who cannot access a dentist prior to their intended start date for cancer therapy; and to make appropriate provision available if gaps are identified.”

2. Please can you also provide a copy of any other document which sets out any other priority groups for NHS Dentistry that have been prioritised by your Integrated Care Board.

1. NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM), in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) supported by Cancer Research UK Facilitators, published the Oral Cancer Care Local Guide (referred to from here as the “toolkit”) which described the prevention, early detection, referral and care for patients with oral cancer and those requiring dental care during their cancer journey. It adapted the Oral Cancer guide created by Cheshire and Merseyside LDN, with engagement from patients, local dental practitioners, and the Managed Clinical Networks (MCN) for Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry.

To assist you please find below a link to the toolkit:

https://gmpcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Oral_Cancer_Care_toolkit.pdf

2. NHS GM is currently reviewing this and other available advice and guidance which might inform an improved standardised approach for best practice aligned to the Oral healthcare provision for cancer pathways guidance published in December 2024. The goal is to reduce unwarranted variation and the impact of inequalities. The toolkit is part of the GM Health Living Dentistry excellence award.

GM Integrated Care Partnership has established Fairer Health For All commitment and framework, which is aligned to Core20Plus5 for children, young people and adults. The GM Primary Care Blueprint sets out the ambition to improve access to primary care, including dental care, and reflects the GM Integrated Care Partnership commitment to Fairer Health For All.

To assist you please find below a link to the GM Primary Care Blueprint: https://gmpcb.org.uk/about-us/greater-manchester-primary-care-blueprint/2

The GM Dental Patient Access Quality Scheme (reference within the Blueprint above) incentivises access for priority patient groups, including patients diagnosed with cancer. The 2025/26 scheme has introduced as part of the commitment to cancer patients, the practice will undertake Quality Improvement to review patient access pathways through action planning and review to improve access for those patients. Links to this commitment shall be the implementation of the Oral Cancer Toolkit.