John Leech MP welcomes Christie's new Critical Care Unit

12.00.00am GMT Fri 8th Dec 2006

Manchester Withington MP John Leech welcomes the new £7m Critical Care Unit at Christie Hospital in his constituency

John Leech has welcomed the opening of a new £7M Critical Care Unit at Christie Hospital in his constituency. The new unit will have the best facilities in the country for cancer patients following major surgery and some forms of chemotherapy. This will mean that they can be cared for post-operatively at Christie Hospital instead of being transferred to Intensive Care Units in other hospitals.

The unit was first proposed in 2002, but later looked unlikely to go ahead when a review of North West cancer services was announced in 2005. This review led to 60 Doctors from Christie Hospital protesting publicly their fear over the future of services at the hospital.

John Leech and the Liberal Democrats fully backed the doctors campaign to preserve services at Christie, while the local Labour Party took no action to stand up for the renowned cancer hospital. John Leech was elected as Manchester Withington's first Liberal Democrat MP soon afterwards.

In the face of a huge public outcry and an effective campaign by the Lib Dems to resist any break up of cancer services at Christie, the Strategic Health Authority later ruled out moving cancer services away from Christie Hospital.

John Leech MP said:

"In 2005 there was grave concern for the future of the services at Christie Hospital. 60 doctors publicly warned that the Christie was under threat from the review of North West cancer services. I and the Liberal Democrats, together with thousands of local people, backed the doctors."

"It was a great example of people power, as the Health Authority backed away from any plans to break up services at Christie Hospital."

"To their shame, the Labour Party sat on their hands and did nothing."

"Now the world famous cancer hospital is going from strength to strength. The new critical care unit will be a wonderful asset to the patients being treated at Christie Hospital as it will mean that can always be treated at Christie in a state-of-the-art facility, whereas some previously had to be transferred to other hospital for some of their treatment."

"The new relatives' room will also be a great asset for patients and their relatives, as it will allow loved ones to remain close by during patients' times of need."

"I wish the Christie Hospital, its staff and all of the patients who benefit from treatment there, the very best in the future."