Cancer Services North-west London 2025-11-25
2025-11-25
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Northwick Park hospital, serving Gareth Thomas's constituents, has excellent cancer clinicians who are developing plans for a new cancer centre. The national cancer plan is being rolled out.
Northwick Park hospital benefits from excellent cancer clinicians who aim to improve diagnosis speed and support quality through a proposed cancer centre. Given the roll-out of the national cancer plan, would the Minister visit Northwick Park to meet these clinicians and bring the Secretary of State’s resources?
While acknowledging Gareth Thomas's long-standing efforts for cancer services improvement, Karin Smyth noted that any changes must be clinically led by local decision makers and engaged patients. She offered to connect him with the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to discuss Northwick Park hospital's plans.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Visit request
Any Reconfiguration Or Change To Services Needs To Be Clinically Led
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Mount Vernon urgent care centre closed recently, the new Watford general hospital opening has been delayed until at least 2032, causing concern about access to healthcare for Mohindra's constituents.
The closure of Mount Vernon urgent care centre and delays in the opening of Watford general hospital have raised concerns over the future of Hemel Hempstead hospital and access to healthcare services. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure adequate healthcare access?
Karin Smyth responded that integrated care boards are working with MPs regarding service configuration and the government aims to ensure local areas receive services based on clinical need. She mentioned ongoing discussions about neighbourhood health services and hospital programme sustainability.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for securing healthcare access
It Is A Matter For Integrated Care Boards
Response accuracy