MPs SECURE MINISTERIAL MEETING OVER UPPER GI MOVE

10.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Cornwall's MPs have secured a meeting with Health Minister Mike O'Brien to raise their concerns over the controversial relocation of Upper Gastro-Intestinal cancer services in the county.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust is seeking to establish a single specialist cancer care centre for Cornwall, over the Tamar at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

The MPs wrote to Mr O'Brien earlier this month to request a meeting, but in his response he declined a meeting and said the county's representatives should "continue to discuss these issues with NHS South West."

Falmouth and Camborne MP Julia Goldsworthy pressed him again in the House of Commons last week, "Cornwall Council is holding an urgent meeting to discuss the relocation of upper gastro-intestinal cancer services to Derriford," she said. "Devon County Council has also requested that the Secretary of State re-examine the issue. Will he agree to a meeting to discuss the impact of this central policy on local access to services?"

The Minister conceded that he should hold a meeting, which has been arranged for Monday 14th December in London.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"I am pleased we have secured this meeting with the Minister to discuss the impact of the proposed move. It will provide an opportunity to raise issues about the consultation process, and the effect of central government policy on local access to services.

"Given the wider concerns about the NHS in Cornwall it's important to stress on the Minister Cornwall's unique geographical challenges and the importance that people place on a health service that is able to meet their needs locally."