Keetch receives reassurance from Minister

3.22.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 25th May 2006

Following a local campaign to cut the 'misery cancer miles' in Herefordshire, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP, Paul Keetch, has received reassurance from the Health Minister, Rosie Winterton MP that the Government intend to increase the provision of radiotherapy care locally.

In a debate in the House of Commons, Ms Winterton told Mr Keetch that three new linear accelerators for the treatment of cancer will be provided to the Three Counties Cancer Network by 2010-11. She also hinted on the possibility of a radiotherapy satellite service in Hereford. This decision will be based on safety, staffing and costs.

"I am informed that the current clinical view is that a linked satellite of the Cheltenham (oncology) service could be viable in either Hereford or Worcester," the Minister stated. "I must stress that no decision has been made on the final location… The three Trusts have all been invited to submit their proposals to the network board and a decision…will be made in Spring 2007," the Minister stated.

"This is very promising news," said Mr Keetch. "I am pleased that the Minster has taken on board my concerns about cancer provision in the county. I hope Hereford Hospital and the Primary Care Trust will both consider submitting their proposals to the Cancer Network as soon as possible."

ENDS

For the full transcript of the debate follow this link - http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2006-05-23a.431.0&s=keetch#g434.0