A Cumbrian MP has urged the new Health Secretary to get a grip on Cumbria’s cancer waiting times.
On the floor of the House of Commons, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron told Therese Coffey extended waiting times were killing his constituents every day.
Speaking during today’s Health Statement in Parliament, Mr Farron said: “Forty-one per cent of my constituents with a cancer diagnosis are now waiting for more than two months for their first treatment for that cancer.
“We know that every four weeks that people wait with a diagnosis for treatment, they have a 10 per cent reduction in their chance of surviving it. So this is killing my constituents every single day.
“There are quick fixes that are sustainable that could make a difference. One of them is radiotherapy and investment in radiotherapy upfront now.
“Would she agree to meet with me and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and key clinicians so we can help her get to grips of this problem and save my constituents’ lives?”
Mrs Coffey said that the Minister for Primary Care, Will Quince, would be happy to meet with Mr Farron and the APPG on Radiotherapy.
