Farron holds radiotherapy reception in Parliament

As part of his campaign to bring a radiotherapy unit to Westmorland General Hospital, last night South Lakes MP Tim Farron held a special radiotherapy reception in Parliament.

Tim hosted the event to put MPs and peers in touch with patients and clinicians who want to raise awareness of the benefits of radiotherapy as a cost effective and treatment for cancer.

The reception was also held to highlight that radiotherapy should receive continued attention and investment from Government and NHS England, and that access needs to be improved.

At the moment, cancer patients living in the South Lakes have to make a journey of at least 45 minutes to reach their nearest radiotherapy unit in Preston.

The event was co-hosted by AdvaMed who provides 40% of the world's medical technology supplies.

Tim said: "This was a hugely important event which brought together radiotherapy experts from across Britain.

"We talked about exciting developments in cancer treatments, including the introduction of state-of-the-art high-energy proton beam therapy at the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

"Many of the industry experts commented on the importance of having easy access to traditional forms of radiotherapy, and agreed with me that people in the South Lakes shouldn't have to make two or three-hour round trips every day, for weeks, in order to receive life-saving care.

"Not only did this event raise awareness about the importance of treatment, but it also allowed me to make some extremely useful contacts which will help in our campaign to make a radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General become a reality."