REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley recently led an important debate in Westminster Hall on hospital services, including the siting of a vital cancer unit.

During the debate Mrs Lumley voiced her concerns regarding hospital services in Worcestershire and put forward a strong case for locating a proposed radiotherapy unit at the Alexandra Hospital.

The Advertiser reported last month how a decision will be made by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust and its strategic partner whether the unit is built at either Worcestershire Royal Hospital or the Alex.

If the Alex is chosen it would mean an end to long and agonising journeys for many cancer patients in the town.

Mrs Lumley, backed by fellow MPs Robin Walker, Harriet Baldwin and Sajid Javid for Bromsgrove, highlighted that the Alex has the advantage of lots of space and that a local campaign has already begun to raise awareness.

She stressed however that a radiotherapy unit merely being situated in Worcestershire was a positive development.

Her comments received a positive response from MP Simon Burns, the Minister of State for Health, who responded to questions.

He said that her views will be taken fully into consideration when the decision is made and asked for her patience while a announcement will be made in due course.