Cancer centre should be near a hospital

LEADING cancer experts have this week raised deep concerns about plans for a new cancer centre proposed by Velindre NHS Trust in Cardiff. They’ve made it crystal clear that the proposals are not fit for purpose.

My view had been that the cancer centre was the right scheme but on the wrong site – the wonderful Northern Meadows in Whitchurch.

But given the comments by doctors and specialists it is clear that it is the wrong scheme on the wrong site.

Velindre NHS Trust has been determined to push its scheme through, whatever the justifiable concerns of local people and now doctors.

We all want to see improved cancer services – who wouldn’t? – but why not locate these services alongside an existing hospital?

It is time the Welsh Health Minister called a halt to Velindre’s flawed project – and told the NHS Trust to go back to the drawingboard and develop a more suitable scheme for the 21st century and certainly not on the Northern Meadows.

Improved cancer services are needed, but it is vital that we get the right scheme in the right location. Phillip Nifield

Vice Chair Plaid Cymru, Cardiff North