MP encourages people in South Cumbria to take part in national radiotherapy consultation
As part of his ongoing campaign to bring a radiotherapy unit to Westmorland General Hospital, local MP Tim Farron is encouraging people to take part in a national consultation about radiotherapy services.
The consultation is being run by NHS England who want to hear the views of patients, carers and members of the public to see how radiotherapy services across the UK can be improved.
This week Tim met with Professor Pat Price, the chair of the charity Action Radiotherapy, and one of the UK's leading radiotherapy campaigners.
Tim said: "This consultation gives us a golden opportunity to highlight the need for a satellite radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General.
"The situation we have at the moment in the South Lakes where those who are already very poorly are being forced to make a 2 or 3-hour round trip every day, for weeks, in order to receive life-saving care, is simply unacceptable.
"I had a very positive meeting with Professor Price, who shares our concern about the nearest radiotherapy centre for many people in South Cumbria being over 50 miles away.
"This campaign continues to gather more and more support, and next Friday I'll be meeting with NHS England commissioning specialists for the North West to make the case for bringing this vital service to the South Lakes.
"I would strongly encourage anyone who supports our campaign, to take part in the consultation so that the need for a radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General is put firmly onto the national agenda."
The consultation closes on Monday December 18th and can be found here https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/radiotherapy-service-specification-consultation/