Good news for Mount Vernon cancer centre

THOUSANDS of people who signed a petition to keep the cancer centre at Mount Vernon Hospital can rejoice in the latest good news.

An interim report from the Hertfordshire primary care trusts (PCTs) on the future of the cancer centre recommends that the service should remain at the hospital, in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood.

The report also supports, subject to further work, the development of a satellite radiotherapy unit, in either north Hertfordshire or south Bedfordshire, with the aim of improving access locally to the cancer treatment service.

The Community Voice, an umbrella group linking local organisations concerned with good NHS services, has been campaigning to keep the cancer centre at the hospital since the Varley report was published in 2002.

The report recommended that the cancer centre be moved to a new hospital or to a district general hospital in Hertfordshire.

Chairman of the group, Joan Davis said: "This is excellent news because it means staff know they have a secure future and patients know their treatment can be competed close to home.

"I think everyone will be absolutely delighted at the prospect of Mount Vernon becoming the hub of a satellite system.

"We are delighted it's now facing a future without fear."

Ruislip-Northwood MP, Nick Hurd, launched a campaign to keep the cancer services at Mount Vernon in February 2007 and also delivered a petition containing more than 80,000 signatures to the Minister of Health.

He said: "This is good news for all those who supported our campaign.

"We are winning the argument but can't be complacent. It is time to end the uncertainty and secure the future of this much loved hospital."

The good news comes following the publication of a discussion document, which asked stakeholders, patients and user groups to decide where the cancer centre should be located, using a list of three options.

However, the final decision will not be published until the end of the review process, which aims to be completed by the end of the year.

The report also recommended that much of the old hospital - especially ward areas - needed to be upgraded and it expressed a wish to see the centre's research programme enhanced through linking up with an academic research partner before the end of the year.