We work collaboratively to strengthen the voice of haematology, using evidence, expertise and partnerships to shape policy, support the workforce and improve patient care.
In 2025 and 2026, BSH strengthened its advocacy for haematology and its workforce through impactful research, active policy engagement, and strategic partnerships across the UK.
We will continue to work with partners to ensure the best outcomes for the haematology workforce in upcoming policy and plans including the NHS 10 Year Workforce Plan.
Count Us In Campaign
BSH is supporting the Leukaemia UK Count Us In Campaign. The report highlights that the current system is missing too many people, too often. It makes recommendations on improving GP referral pathways, increasing blood test access, and making earlier diagnosis the norm. They are calling for the Government to use the upcoming National Cancer Plan to commit to stopping avoidable delays in leukaemia diagnosis.
Leukaemia Care's Standards of Care
They set out the baseline level of holistic care that all patient with leukaemia, MDS, and MPNs should expect to receive. The statements were developed through consultation with stakeholders across the healthcare system and wider cancer community.
We will continue to support Leukaemia Care in their work with Cancer Alliances to encourage endorsement of the Standards and promote wider adoption of the principles they set out.
Leukaemia Care has developed Standards of Care to help reduce variation in non-clinical support for leukaemia patients across the UK. Produced in collaboration with patients, haematology healthcare professionals, and national stakeholders, the standards outline what good holistic care should look like alongside clinical treatment. BSH have supported the Standards alongside the Royal College of Nursing, and the UK Oncology Nursing Society.
To support implementation, Leukaemia Care has also developed two practical checklists: one for care teams to assess whether key aspects of holistic, non-clinical care such as communication, psychological support and financial advice are being consistently delivered; and one for patients, to enable them to reflect on whether they have received the support they need at different stages of their care and to help identify unmet needs.
Together, these resources provide a practical framework to support conversations, identify gaps in support, and promote consistent delivery of non-clinical care across services.
Leukaemia Care is also working with Cancer Alliances to encourage endorsement of the Standards and support wider adoption of the principles they set out. To find out more or discuss how they could support your service, please contact the Leukaemia Care Policy and Evidence Team at [email protected].
April 2025:
Parliamentary Roundtable: Taking Action to Future Proof the Haematology Workforce
Speakers including former BSH President Dr Josh Wright and Prof Adele Stewart-Lord (LSBU) made recommendations on better workforce modelling, clearer career pathways, better data systems, and stronger workplace cultures. Subsequently, Clive Jones MP submitted 11 Parliamentary Written Questions.
This section also highlights some of our activity across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including
Working with the Wales Cancer Alliance, we presented the alarming finding that 60.6% of Consultant Haematologists in Wales are due to retire within the next three years. The Welsh Government has read our report and shared it with Health Education and Improvement Wales. (June 2025)
In Scotland, we worked with Jackie Baillie MSP, who submitted a series of questions to the Scottish Government on our behalf. These questions highlighted that 19.7% of consultant haematologists are set to retire in the next three years. The government acknowledged our report and confirmed that haematology is included in training reviews. They have committed to a 'Future Medical Workforce' project to help improve recruitment and retention.
We will continue to use our workforce data to push for tangible action from all UK governments to address these pressing issues for our members. (May 2025)
February 2023:
BSH were a signatory on a statement from the RCP on the BMA ballot for industrial action.
September 2022:
Inequalities in Health Alliance: BSH were a signatory on an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care urging the publication of the Health Disparities White Paper.
September 2022:
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges: BSH shared testimonials from our members for the report on Normalising the Unacceptable.
November 2022:
As part of RCP’s Strength in Numbers campaign, BSH were a signatory on an open letter to the Chancellor, in support of publishing the NHS long-term workforce plan in full.