Cancer treatment delays raised in Commons by MP

HALTON MP Derek Twigg has sought assurances over delays to cancer treatment as he raised concerns of potential “profiteering” from private health companies during the pandemic.

Mr Twigg put the questions to the Prime Minister during a Covid-19 debate in the House of Commons.

Appearing remotely, the Halton Labour MP said treatment has been delayed again and that four-week delays reduce the chances of patients surviving, adding that many delays have been longer.

He told the Commons the Health Service Journal had reported that the service was “having difficulty in agreeing payments with private providers for surgery and treatment”.

Mr Twigg said: “Will the Prime Minister take action to stop any profiteering and ensure that private providers use their capacity for NHS patients requiring urgent surgery? “Will he also urgently bring a detailed plan to this House on how the Government intend to ensure that cancer patients get the treatment they need in good time?”

Boris Johnson replied: “One of the reasons for wanting to keep Covid under control in the way that we hope to do with this lockdown is, of course, to allow the NHS to continue with cancer treatment and other vital services.

“The hon. gentleman makes an excellent point about the need for all provision now to be dedicated to fighting Covid or providing essential services for the British public, and he can expect to hear more about the way in which we intend to co-operate with private providers.”