MP secures meeting with Health Minister over plans to bring radiotherapy to Kendal

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron secured a meeting with Cancer Minister Helen Whately to discuss proposals for a radiotherapy unit at the Westmorland General Hospital.

It comes after Professor Pat Price, a leading oncologist at Imperial College London and Chair of the charity Radiotherapy UK, publicly backed Tim's campaign to bring radiotherapy to Kendal.

Professor Price said: "Too many people in the South Lakes at the moment have to travel far too far to get their radiotherapy. A satellite centre at Westmorland General will transform cancer treatment.

"Tim Farron has worked tirelessly for over a decade to make this happen. He has our full support. Ministers must listen and help make this happen."

Speaking during Heath Questions today, Tim said: "I have here the draft business case for a satellite radiotherapy unit at the Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal.

"If this were to be approved and commissioned, then residents in my community who have cancer will no longer have to travel two, three or four hour round trips every day to get life saving treatment - they'll be able to get it closer to home.

"Will ministers meet with me and the clinical specialists who helped draft this so we can make this come to fruition?"

Responding, the Minister said: "Yes I'm very happy to meet with the honourable member."