Several documents state that patients should have access to a dedicated CNS: A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services(DH 1995), the NHS Cancer Plan(DH 2000a), The Nursing Contribution to Cancer Care(DH 2000b) and the Cancer Reform Strategy(DH 2007). Halkett et al (2006) recommended that all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have adequate access to the support that CNSs provide. According to NHSBSP (2008b), the minimum standard is that a CNS is present for the patient at assessment and diagnosis, and that ideally CNSs should see all patients requiring assessment.