MPs have united to call on the Government to make the necessary funding available to James Cook University Hospital and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to allow them to continue their vital, life-saving treatment.

Teesside MPs were speaking in the House of Commons last week during an adjournment debate about cancer outcomes in the Tees Valley.

The debate was opened by Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke, who said: "The scale of the challenge posed by cancer is particularly acute in the Tees Valley. The North East has the highest age standardised cancer rate of any English region for both men and women.

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"The incidence rate for female patients is 15 per cent higher than in London, which is the region with the lowest incidence."

He continued by recognising the work of local campaigners, adding: "I pay particular tribute to Claire Starsmore and the amazing East Cleveland Pink Ladies, who have raised £131,000 for Cancer Research UK over the past decade in memory of their much-loved friend Jacqui Hampton. The annual Pink Ball is one of the highlights of the East Cleveland social calendar."

The Northern Echo: Middlesbrough MP, Andy McDonaldMiddlesbrough MP, Andy McDonald (Image: UK Parliament)

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald praised the world class work being carried out at James Cook’s oncology department and called to further investment to allow the Trust to acquire new medical linear accelerators (LINACs) which are used to accurately deliver doses of radiation to tumours.  

There are currently six LINACs at the Middlesbrough hospital. The recommended lifespan for the machine is ten years after which they become less reliable and require more downtime for repairs. 

During the debate, Andy McDonald, said: “James Cook Hospital has six linear accelerators, but half of them are now reaching the end of their natural life, and as they break down they are becoming less efficient.

"Does he [Simon Clarke MP] share my plea to the Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury to ensure the necessary funding is made available to James Cook University Hospital and the Trust to carry on their vital, life-saving work for our constituents across Teesside and beyond?” 

In reply, Simon Clarke MP acknowledged the need for investment saying “The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that such investment is vital to ensuring that once treatment commences, people can get the best possible care.” 

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The debate showed rare harmony between the region's MPs on either side of the house.