Abolishing NHS England can be big boost for bringing radiotherapy to Kendal – MP

Commenting on today’s announcement from the Prime Minister that NHS England will be abolished, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said:

“For far too long, Government ministers have been able to wash their hand of responsibilityfor taking the big decisions needed to improve health services for people here in Cumbria.

“Bureaucrats at NHS England have repeatedly blocked attempts for us to bring life-saving radiotherapy treatment to Westmorland General Hospital, despite positive support from health ministers from all parties.

“Meanwhile cancer patients in South Cumbria have been left with a two-three hour roundtrip to their nearest radiotherapy treatment centre in Preston – a journey they need to make five days a week for weeks on end.

“It’s absolutely vital that the money saved from abolishing NHS England is used on improving access to health services – such as bringing radiotherapy to Kendal – rather than being wasted on golden goodbyes to health bosses.

“Now that ministers have given themselves the ability to directly affect health services in areas like ours it’s essential that they listen to local people and use those powers for good.”