22/07/2009

Robin Walker, who last year, campaigned to support Worcestershire Royal Hospital in getting a radiotherapy unit which could improve care for cancer sufferers across the County has spoken of his concern at plans to move a key surgery unit from Worcester to Gloucester.

He has supported local campaigners and the Acute Trust, in their bid to keep head and Neck surgery at the hospital and pointed out the benefits of potentially being able to have all of their cancer needs met closer to home.

Robin said

"I have met so many people over the last year in Worcester who have themselves suffered or who have had close family suffer from cancer and I know that there is enormous stress in having to travel a long way from home and your relatives for treatment. Last year I joined many others in calling for a Radiotherapy unit to be brought to this County and I was delighted when the authorities heeded that call. There was hope then that people would be able to have their whole course of treatment within the County."

"Now it seems that another part of the vital network of cancer treatment might be taken away. It would be tragic of the benefits for patients in having one element of their treatment closer to home were cancelled out by having to go further away for another equally vital part. I will write to the Cancer Care Network, the PCT and the Acute Trust to express my support for the campaign to keep these services in Worcester. I have always believed that keeping services local will lead to a more efficient NHS and a better service for patients."