MP Fights for Local Radiotherapy Unit

A Member of Parliament is advocating for the establishment of a radiotherapy unit in Kendal, a move that could significantly reduce lengthy travel for hundreds of cancer patients. Approximately 650 patients from Cumbria currently undertake a journey to the Royal Preston Hospital for this vital treatment, with travel times from Kendal alone taking about an hour each way, and longer for those residing further afield.

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat representative for Westmorland and Lonsdale, has formally written to the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB). He is requesting a formal study to assess "equity of access," questioning whether the region's residents face disadvantages due to extensive travel requirements. The ICB, set to assume responsibility for radiotherapy provision from April, stated that planning for such a unit would be challenging without currently identified operational capital.