07/09/2009

 Robin Walker, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Worcester today welcomed news that the newly formed patients' group Worcestershire LINk has agreed to champion the case of head and neck cancer services at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Their letter to the 3 Counties Cancer Network pointed out that local patients would have to travel much further if the service is moved to Gloucester and that it could lead to clinicians leaving the hospital.

Worcestershire LINk (standing for local involvement network) is a statutory body made up of volunteers from across the county.  It was recently formed after Patient Involvement Forums were abolished.  The group has the power to enter NHS property to review patient services and local people are free join it. Its website is at www.worcestershirelink.org.uk

Robin said

"Following the recent joint statement by all the County's Conservative MPs and PPCs backing the Worcestershire bid, it is great news that this non-party body has also expressed its support. The LINk group has asked a series of questions about the decision of the network and the ongoing review which are important, I hope that the network will be able to give them a comprehensive response and that the final decision will reflect both their concerns and mine."