Radiotherapy unit a must - Tory MPs

Feb 21 2008

TORIES in Worcestershire today called for a new Midland radiotherapy unit in the county.

Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride and Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff have joined forces in a campaign to bring two new radiotherapy machines to Worcester.

Designed to treat cancer patients, the £1.5 million devices would be specially built at the the Royal Worcestershire Hospital, along with concrete bunkers to protect staff and the environment.

The MPs claim three new machines will be needed in the region by 2011, but Worcestershire patients would miss out if they are installed in either Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, south Worcestershire or Powys instead.

In a joint statement Mr Luff, Ms Kirkbride, Harriett Baldwin, Mark Garnier, Karen Lumley and Robin Walker, who make up the party's Parliamentary team in Worcestershire, said: "Travel times will be significantly reduced, together with costs to patients.

"Waiting times will go down and outcomes will improve."

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We welcome the support of Worcestershire Conservatives. It is really helpful in our efforts to secure local radiotherapy."