MP praises cancer unit’s ‘groundbreaking’ work

ROCHDALE MP Tony Lloyd has praised the ‘groundbreaking’ work staff provide at The Royal Oldham Hospital’s breast cancer unit.

He visited the Victoria Unit, where he met with patients and staff and thanked them for their hard work.

The Breast Service, which is managed by the North Manchester Care Organisation, part of The Northern Care Alliance group, provides a service to patients from Rochdale, Oldham and Bury.

Health chiefs say the Victoria Unit provides a one stop breast clinic for patients with suspected breast cancer as well as other breast related problems, providing expert advice, and performing any tests that are required for patients.

It exceeds all national treatment targets for cancer, with 99.5 per cent of new referrals receiving a first appointment within two weeks of referral from their GP.

For patients diagnosed as having cancer, 97.6 per cent of patients have treatment within 62 days of referral.

During the visit Mr Lloyd was greeted by Breast Surgery Consultant Maria Bramley, Consultant and Clinical Director for Breast Surgery Mr Mohammed Absar, and Directorate Manager Richard Tipney.

Mr Lloyd said: “Breast cancer used to be a major killer but the really good news is both with modern developments in medicine and with women and some men being prepared to come forward for early diagnosis we know that it can be treated. There are now many survivors of breast cancer and that’s the great news, but if in doubt always go and see your doctor.

“The work that is being done here at The Royal Oldham Hospital for the people across Greater Manchester truly is groundbreaking and many people will testify to that.

“You may know somebody near you who has been a beneficiary.”

Mr Mohammed Absar, Consultant and Clinical Director for Breast Surgery said: “It was an honour to meet with Tony Lloyd MP for Rochdale and to show him some of the wonderful work we do here on a daily basis at The Victoria Unit.

“The staff and patients were pleased to meet him and he heard firsthand about the great work the staff are doing.” ●●At the Royal Oldham Hospital breast cancer unit are, from left, Karen Brentnall, clinical support; Ann Rawlinson, advance practitioner radiographer; Ruth Brennan, staff nurse; Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd; Miss Maria Bramley, consultant and Catherine Hannah, advance practitioner radiographer.