News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

£12.6 million for cancer treatment in North Wales

Vale of Clwyd AM, Ann Jones, has welcomed Assembly Government investment worth £12.6 million for new equipment at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Labour’s Health Minister Edwina Hart made the announcement yesterday.

The Assembly Government funding will go towards replacing two linear accelerators (Linacs) and to replace a CT simulator. The new Linacs will improve on the current quality of service provided with the new machines having more advanced technology that is able to more accurately destroy cancer cells.
Linacs provide computerised three-dimensional reconstruction of patient anatomy to allow clinicians to deliver radiotherapy to cancer patients more precisely reducing the risk to healthy organs. The CT simulator is used in the planning of radiotherapy treatment and will enable the design of a treatment plan unique to each patient’s anatomy.

The new equipment, supporting suite and bunkers will:

* Improve and speed up treatment of patients;
* Help retain and recruit specialist staff;
* Have the ability to transfer patient data electronically between machines; and
* Make it easier to further upgrade the facilities in future.

Ann Jones AM said:

“The benefits of this investment are substantial with positive and long lasting effects on how we treat cancer in North Wales.

“Such a major investment shows how seriously the Labour-led Assembly is taking the fight against cancer. With the best technology available on our doorstep, I hope patients will feel reassured that the highest possible standard of treatment is being vigorously pursued.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010