Last week I met Macmillan Cancer Support clinicians, nurses and staff at Crawley Hospital to thank them for their dedication in supporting patients locally.

I never tire of hearing about their amazing work helping people with cancer, and of the wider help they provide to patients and their support networks.

In July I was pleased to join Macmillan in Parliament as they celebrated their partnership with the National Health Service, while marking the NHS’ 70th birthday.

The Government should work closely with Macmillan to help create a health system able to provide the best possible support for people living with cancer when they most need it.

In 2018 I was pleased to secure and lead two parliamentary debates on cancer care. I took this opportunity to highlight Macmillan’s work for people with all chronic and terminal conditions. It was also a pleasure to pop in to the Macmillan Coffee Morning in Redz Bar at the Broadfield Stadium!

I welcome the NHS Long-Term Plan aiming to increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage, from around half now to three quarters of cancer patients by 2028. In ten years’ time these reforms could see 55,000 more people survive cancer each year.

Enhanced mental health support is also vital to help cancer patients who are undergoing treatment, as well as those facing uncertainty while waiting for their treatment to start. Organisations such as Macmillan undertake important work to help all patients and they are thoroughly deserving of our support.

Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
[email protected]
www.henrysmith.info