Richard Burt To Question NHS Bosses On Head And Neck Cancer Surgery

12.35.00pm GMT Tue 19th Jan 2010

Richard Burt will question Worcestershire NHS bosses on the future of Head and Neck cancer surgery at Worcester Royal. The questions will be put at a meeting of the NHS Worcestershire Board due to take place Wychavon Civic Centre in Pershore tomorrow (20 January).

Richard will raise concerns about the service as part of discussions on the PCT's new draft cancer strategy.

"I welcome any plan to keep existing cancer surgery within Worcestershire, but worry that the draft strategy leaves the door open for more complex head and neck surgery to be transferred to Gloucester," said Richard. "I will be seeking assurances that the wishes of the public, patients and consultants to retain complex cancer surgery at the Royal will not be overridden by this strategy."

Mr Burt will put the following questions to board members:

*What reassurances can you give the public in Worcestershire if 3CCN recommend the transfer of complex Head and Neck cancer surgery to Gloucester against the wishes of the proposed NHS Worcestershire Cancer Strategy?

• What level of commitment can NHS Worcestershire give to including the retention of complex Head and Neck surgery for Worcestershire patients at Worcester Royal as part of a future NHS Worcestershire Cancer Strategy?

• What role will the PCTs as commissioners play in the final decision on the future of complex Head and Neck cancer surgery at Worcester Royal?

• If there is disagreement about this issue between Trusts, Health Authorities, Patient Groups and Consultants, who has the final say, and is there any appeal process?