Lancashire Cancer Care Services’ Changes Put On Hold

Plans to relocate cancer care services an extra 13 miles away, affecting patients in Barnoldswick and Earby, have been put on hold temporarily.

Controversial moves to shift the in-patient oncology ward at Airedale Hospital to Bradford Royal Infirmary have been criticised by sufferers in Pendle, who use the unit.

Officials at Airedale NHS Trust have now announced that the changes will be postponed until they can be fully discussed by the Yorkshire Cancer Network.

Hospital chief executive Adam Cairns said in a statement: “We do understand that patients who have had cancer are extremely well placed to provide us with advice about how best to meet their needs.

“We are listening carefully to their views and will want to assure ourselves that any changes to the way that cancer services are provided in the future are both safe and reliable.”

The switch had been due to take place last week but is now not likely to proceed for another month.

This week Pendle MP Gordon Prentice highlighted these concerns in the House of Commons, following campaigning by his constituents, including the BE Bosom Friends group, which has members in West Craven.

The MP quizzed the Department of Health over what assessments had been made of the impact of the proposed changes.

Such moves would result in cancer patients, undergoing chemotherapy, who become ill, facing a longer journey to Bradford instead of the current provision at Keighley.

South Craven MP David Curry has already received 350 protest letters at the proposed changes.

Ann Keen, a junior health minister told the Commons: “Any decision on changes to the provision of cancer care at Airedale NHS Trust will be taken by the trust and its partner organisations in the Yorkshire Cancer Network, which coordinates services in the area and ensures that they appropriately meet the needs of the region.

“The trust has sought to engage with cancer patients and other stakeholders and to take account of their views and concerns throughout the process.”