John officially opens new Endoscopy Unit at Basildon Hospital
04 September 2009
Today, John Baron MP officially opened the new Endoscopy Unit at Basildon Hospital and praised management and staff for responding to patients’ needs regarding Bowel Cancer screening. John had campaigned in Parliament in 2006 for a National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, and then raised questions since about its slow implementation in Essex.
John said:
“I am particularly pleased with this new unit having lobbied hard in Parliament for a National Bowel Cancer Screening programme, and then having questioned the Secretary of State last year as to why Essex was not getting the support it deserved in rolling out the programme.
“Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death, killing 16,000 people a year, and this screening programme should now reduce that number significantly as cancers will be detected earlier. This unit is a big feather in the cap for the Hospital which can be proud of the role it is about to play in improving survival rates.
“However, only 15,000 screening kits have been returned from the 27,000 that have been sent out so far. I would therefore urge all local residents to get over their embarrassment and return these kits for it could save your life.
“With the latest technology, new facilities and excellent medical and support staff, patients across South Essex will benefit from excellent treatment and care, with most patients’ being able to go home within an hour or so.”
Notes
The attached photograph shows John cutting the ribbon at the official opening with (left) Dr. David Gertner, Clinical Director for Medicine & Emergency Care and (right) Dr. Javaid Subhani, Consultant Gastroenterologist.
