A RADIOTHERAPY unit for cancer patients has moved a step closer to inclusion in plans for the new hospital after States Members agreed that a review should be carried out into its feasibility.
A proposal tabled by Deputy Montfort Tadier called on Health Minister Richard Renouf to present options and recommendations to the States Assembly no later than April. The Reform Jersey Member, who lost both his parents to cancer, told States Members yesterday: ‘I think it is worth us looking into and aspiring to have a radiotherapy unit in the Island.’
He also cited a petition from Rosemarie Shepherd – signed by over 3,000 people – calling for such a unit in the new hospital. In the petition, she described her personal experience of coping with cancer, treatment and the ‘added physical and emotional distress of travelling to the UK for treatment’.
Deputy Renouf lodged his own amendment to the proposal, which was accepted by Deputy Tadier, which means that after exploring options, presenting them to the States, ‘and considering first and foremost the best outcomes for patients, Jersey should have its own radiotherapy unit for the treatment of cancer patients’.
‘It would support investigations that we are currently carrying out in Health and Community Services to examine the feasibility of providing radiotherapy services in the Island. There are no firm decisions, one way or another,’ said Deputy Renouf.
During the debate, two States Members drew on extremely personal experiences to speak, one in favour of and one against the proposition.
Deputy Steve Luce said he had travelled to the UK for cancer treatment with his late wife. He said: ‘To say these type of journeys can be challenging, going away for treatment in many cases, is a massive understatement.
‘The question you need to ask is: Do you want the best care? Do you want the best surgeons? The best consultants? The best cancer hospitals? Those who are working with this awful disease on a daily basis? We have access to world-class treatment in the world’s top cancer hospitals.’
Meanwhile, Constable Richard Vibert said his late wife was treated at the radiotherapy unit in Southampton, ‘and received an excellent level of care’.
He said he was able to support his wife but that those on their own would have faced a far more difficult task.
Mr Vibert said the proposal would ‘benefit those who need radiotherapy treatment, for whatever reason, and would increase their chances of a successful outcome’.
States Members backed the amended proposal by 40 votes, with Senator Steve Pallett voting against, and Constable Marcus Troy and Deputy Luce abstaining.
