Written Question·Department of Health and Social Care·UIN 189830
Radiotherapy
Tabled: 15 June 2023
Answered: 23 June 2023
Question
Rachael Maskell
Labour (Co-op) — York Central
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to help ensure that patients do not have travel journeys of more than 45 minutes when attending radiotherapy appointments.
Answer
Helen WhatelyThe travel a patient needs to undertake is dependent on the types of treatment needed on an individual case basis. Specialised services are not available in every local hospital because they have to be delivered by specialist teams of health professionals who have the necessary skills, experience and access to equipment and medicines. Patient-specific requirements are also based on what each individual could manage and cope with and would be discussed between the patient and clinician.