MORE than 6,000 residents have now signed Redditch MP Rachel Maclean’s petition to return the Garden Suite chemotherapy unit to the Alexandra Hospital.
The unit was transferred to Kidderminster General Hospital earlier this year to keep cancer patients safe while the Alex cared for patients with Covid-19.
However following hint from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust that the move could become permanent, the MP launched her petition for it to be returned to its home at the Alex.
She said: “Since the very moment we learnt the Garden Suite Chemotherapy Unit had been temporarily re-located to Kidderminster, I’ve been clear in my belief and desire to see this vital service returned to the Alex.
“Before the pandemic struck, there was already a chemotherapy suite at Kidderminster. This now means there are currently two chemotherapy units operating from Kidderminster.
“If the Alex was to permanently lose the Garden Suite, then it would be the only one of the Acute Trust’s hospitals not to provide chemotherapy.
“This is a situation that I cannot and will not accept.
“All three of the Acute Trust’s hospitals must provide chemotherapy, as they did before the pandemic.
More than 6,000 residents have now signed the petition.
While the relocation of the chemotherapy unit remains temporary, she has vowed to continue fighting to ensure it returns to the Alex.
“Thank you to the more than 6,000 of you who have signed my petition so far,” she said.
“Local health bosses can be in no doubt about the strength of public feeling on this issue.”
Health bosses say they intend to make a decision about the future permanent location of the Garden Suite around October and November time.
To sign the petition visit: https://www.change.org/bringbackthegardensuite
