Possible cancer centre 'good news' - Michael German AM

4.36.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Aug 2007

News that Gwent could be home to a new cancer care centre has been welcomed by Michael German, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales East.

Discussions have been taking place about how services at Cardiff's Velindre Hospital can be developed to better meet increasing demands. The idea of a satellite centre in Gwent has received strong support.

Lib Dem Michael German, said, "Such a centre would be good news for Gwent patients. Those who need regular chemotherapy or radiotherapy would have much shorter distances to travel.

"A recent report by Macmillan Cancer Support showed that the average cancer patient visits hospital 53 times, paying around £325 in travel and parking costs. In times of illness and stress long journeys for treatment make patients feel worse. A cancer centre in Gwent would mean that patients from Monmouthshire, Newport and the Gwent valleys would not have to make the long M4 trek to Velindre.

"A central location, such as the proposed Specialist and Critical Care centre at Croesyceiliog, would be ideal for this cancer centre.

"I am asking the Assembly Government to support the proposed Gwent cancer centre."