South Lakes takes 'huge step forward' in bid to bring radiotherapy treatment to Kendal

The research, conducted by NHS England, has prompted a government health minister to agree to meet with UK health bosses and South Lakes MP Tim Farron to discuss finally bringing a radiotherapy unit to Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital.

"This a huge step forward in our campaign to bring a new cancer centre to Westmorland General," said Mr Farron, who brought up the issue in the House of Commons.

"Bringing ministers and NHS England all around the table will hopefully break the log jam and give this much-needed project the green light.

“We still have a lot of work to do before we get the world class cancer facilities we want, but I am sure that our local determination to have this centre built means that we will be successful."

Currently patients in South Lakeland have to travel to Preston for radiotherapy treatment, even though guidance says nobody should live more than 45 minutes from a treatment centre.

For some local people travelling to Preston means a three-hour round trip.

"Asking patients and their families to make the gruelling journey to Preston for radiotherapy treatment must end," continued Mr Farron.

"I will keep pushing until we get a full cancer treatment unit at Westmorland General. We are moving in the right direction, but we need to keep the pressure on."

The meeting came about after Mr Farron brought up the report in health questions in the House of Commons - and was told by Jane Ellison MP, Parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department of Health, that she would facilitate a meeting over the issue.

It comes after the Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said it wants to 'prioritise the resources necessary' for a cancer treatment centre in Kendal.

Over 10,000 people have now signed a petition to bring radiotherapy to the area, and over 2,000 people joined a march in Kendal to call for the treatment to be offered.