Campaign on hospital unit is lost

Campaigners have lost their battle to bring a radiotherapy unit to Kidderminster Hospital, it was announced today.

Some 6,000 people signed a petition calling for a new unit to open in the town.

The facility would save cancer patients having to endure round trips of up to 80 miles for treatment in Wolverhampton or Cheltenham.

But the 3 Counties Cancer Network has now confirmed it is considering developing radiotherapy services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

The campaign to bring a radiotherapy unit to the town was launched by Worcestershire county councillor Nigel Knowles last May but was today ruled out.

He said: "I am disappointed they are not considering Kidderminster as an option. It is not good news for the people of Kidderminster. The views of 6,000 people have been ignored.

"Cancer patients in Wyre Forest are still going to face long, arduous journeys even if the radiotherapy unit is put in Worcester."

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor has said Worcester was more likely to be the preferred location in the county as a central site would benefit more people.

Other options being considered by the cancer network are expanding the existing services at the Gloucestershire Oncology Centre in Cheltenham or providing new facilities at Hereford County Hospital.