NHS Experts say Keep Upper GI Cancer Unit at Frimley Park (Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats

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NHS Experts say Keep Upper GI Cancer Unit at Frimley Park

November 25, 2005 11:22 PM

Liberal Democrat Councillors have slammed Government plans to dismantle the excellent Upper GI Cancer Unit at Frimley Park.

Councillor Duncan Clark commented "The Government and the Strategic Health Authority appear to be about to dismantle a centre of excellence in the treatment of Oesophago-gastric (stomach and gullet) cancer. Their plan is to close this centre of excellence at Frimley Park Hospital and re-provide the service at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford.

"I have personal experience of the excellent work that this service and its staff provide, following the treatment of a close relative at the Upper GI Cancer Unit. Having spoken to many patients, they are appalled that this service will be broken up and removed from our excellent local hospital. They could understand if it was for a good reason, but the decision by the Government and the Strategic Health Authority are fundamentally flawed".

In a recent NHS peer review of Frimley Park Hospital's Upper GI Unit, the services were praised as 'an example of outstanding excellence'. The review also expressed concerns about the plans to close down the Upper GI Unit and transfer the work to the Royal Surrey County Hospital, stating that there are "severe financial constraints" which should prompt a re-think.

Councillor Duncan Clark continued "The professionals who work within our NHS have a clear view - the proposed break up of the Upper GI unit at Frimley Park is wrong. The Government and the Strategic Health Authority are pursuing plans that will waste public money while tearing apart a centre of excellence.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors will be supporting the community campaign to protect these services. You can find out more information by contacting the Lib Dems at info@surreyheathlibdems.org.uk.