COURAGE CAMPAIGN FOR PATIENTS WITH RADIOTHERAPY DAMAGE

Early day motion 512, tabled 27 November 1997 by Hazel Blears (Labour). Signed by 158 members.

That this House is appalled to learn of the plight of cancer patients treated at many United Kingdom hospitals who have suffered serious radiotherapy injuries which have resulted in patients incurring bowel, bladder and other damage which has made their lives intolerable; understands that some injuries are so traumatic that patients have trieds to commit suicide, family relationships have been shattered and children have had to be fostered while their mothers are in hospital for long periods; is shocked and concerned at the lack of relevant information given to patients about possible adverse effects before during and after radiotherapy and that there is no counselling offered to patients or their families; congratulates COURAGE on their continuing campaign to achieve proper recognition for their members who have been injured by radiotherapy; warmly welcomes the support and encouragement recently expressed by Baroness Jay; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Health to set up an immediate inquiry into these issues and to take steps to improve the information and treatment available to patients.

Signatures by party: Labour 119, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 5, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 4, UUP 3, UKUP 1, Unknown 1.