The Sunday Times reported this week that the Health Minister has just refused an offer from Accuray (who make Cyberknife), to install Cyberknife free of charge in every NHS Trust, and to allow the NHS to use it free of charge for two and a half years (after which the NHS would be able to buy it interest free).
This means the Govt are going back on their word, because when they set up the NRIG, they said they would abide by their recommendations. The NRIG recommended that stereotactic radiotherapy such as Cyberknife should be available, and if it was, would probably save in the region of 3000 lives per year.
Apparently a number of MP’s are going to kick up a fuss about this, and their is a meeting going on in the House of Commons today.
I’m not party political, as I think they are probably all as bad as each other, and I know they have to cut borrowing, but I can think of plenty of ways to make savings without harming the most vulnerable and sickest people in out society. Any cancer patient who voted for them must feel like a Turkey who has just voted for Christmas.
If it is a case of problems with funding there always seems to be money for dodgy wars. I am still not sure why we are in Afghaniston for instance.
Really !! I cannot believe this…well actually I can !!
Julie xxx
Incredible (in a very bad way). Talk about looking a gift horse etc, etc
It’s very concerning, we have the technology to save lives, yet we can’t take advantage of it. Shame these issues never make the headlines during “Pinktober”, sure not many people are aware how vulnerable breast cancer patients with stage 4 are when it comes to life saving treatment denied on costs basis. Thanks for raising this.
Yes, I read the report too. Very concerned.
We could always try raising one of those E-petitions there must be enough people suffereing from cancer that would sign it.
Even if they didn’t debate the issue we would get a lot of attention if enough people signed.
Anyone at risk of a Brain Tumour secondary from any cancer not just BC should understand the benefit.
Fiona X
Ive already signed an e-petition for Cyberknife - in fact im sure its a link I followed on here via Lemongrove.
There was a similar backtrack years ago when CT scanners were not available in every hospital. The goverment made a big deal of providing a scanner for a lot of hospitals. BUT most had to refuse as they could not afford the building work etc or the staff to run them. Staff were threatened when they tried to expose this!
Lemongrove or anyone else,
If there is a cyberknife E-petition can you send me a link and I will forward it on to get more support.
Thank
Fiona X
It is a disgrace. I wil e-mail my MP about it now but don’t suppose it will make the slightest difference : (
caroline
I think an appointment to talk to this person who has no understanding of cancer. My blood is boiling
Yes I would like a link to a petition Ias well! Its crazy.
Belinda
Just emailed my local MP and local councillors, its a disgrace !!
Mind you I belive the QE in Birmingham has already purchased one through the charity they run
Hi Dave, it’s interesting to hear that the QE in Birmingham have just purchased Cyberknife. I knew they were thinking about getting it, because the Stan Bowley Trust donated quite a large sum for the purpose.
There are three NHS Hospitals in London with Cyberknife (Marsden, Mount Vernon and Barts), and two private hospitals (The Harley St Cyberknife Centre and the London Clinic), but the problem they are experiencing is that three out of four patients referred to them are unable to get funding for treatment, as only 28 out of 150 PCT’s fund Cyberknife treatment. The NRIG recommended that the Govt set a national tariff for stereotactic radiotherapy, to make it easier for PCT’s to fund it, but the Govt seem very reluctant to do that.
Politicians are so hypocritical. They turn up whenever Cyberknife is launched at an NHS Hospital and crow about the acquisition of Cyberknife being a prime example of how the Govt is committed to improving cancer treatment, but fail to mention that it was purchased by charity, and that hardly anyone will benefit, because most PCT’s do not fund treatment.