Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade and a cancer survivor, has secured an adjournment debate on oesophageal cancer which will take place on Monday, February 23.
IN the debate Mike will describe his personal fight against cancer and suggests seven improvement steps for the NHS.
The two principal outcomes that Mike is hoping to achieve are:
• Increased awareness of oesophageal cancer will be increased
• A commitment to additional resources, chiefly in order to fund a quicker, more efficient diagnostic procedure.
Mike, who was first elected to Parliament in 2010, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2012 and underwent surgery to have his entire oesophagus (and part of his stomach) removed.
Following months of intense treatment after the operation, Mike’s cancer went into full remission (tests and scans thankfully showing no current signs of remaining disease).
Mike said: “My father said to me that being born in the UK is like winning the lottery of life. He was completely right and I am alive today because of our wonderful NHS. I wanted to have this debate in Parliament to highlight the devastating impact that oesophageal cancer has on people across the country, but also to demonstrate as living proof that the healthcare in this country is worth every penny.”
He added: “While the NHS does a fantastic job treating cancer patients, more can be done to improve the services that are available. I have seven improvements that I am recommending to the Department for Health.”
Mike will not be seeking re-election to Parliament in May.
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