No answers from Rhodri on Prostate Cancer

3.23.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 6th Feb 2007

In Plenary today Jenny Randerson, Assembly Member for Cardiff Central asked for clarification on whether prostate cancer sufferers would be treated in England while brachytherapy was being introduced to Wales. Jenny also asked whether people from North Wales would be expected to travel down to Cardiff for treatment once it was established.

Speaking after the question the Health Spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats said "I was not asking complicated questions about the detail of Rhodri's announcement last week. I was merely asking the sort of questions that should have been decided before such an announcement was made.

He seems to have back tracked, last week he said that he and Brian Gibbons were working very hard to try to produce-within days, he hoped, rather than weeks-a service within Wales, involving Velindre NHS Trust being able to offer brachytherapy to patients in Wales.

"He said that it was being dealt with as a matter of urgency and that he hoped to work through the remaining details very shortly.

"This week it is only an 'in principle' announcement. There are still no answers from the Labour Assembly Government for prostate cancer patients. I have written to Brian Gibbons and am hoping the answers will be with me shortly"

"Patients are being left in limbo. Time is of the essence and these patients cannot afford to wait while LAG dithers"

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Contact/cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood - 029 2089 8324

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