High Peak MP Robert Largan has met with Macmillan Cancer Support to discuss the challenges facing local cancer services due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their discussion included the issue of NHS capacity for handling patient numbers.

According to Macmillan, each year on average, there are 568 cases of cancer diagnosed, and 290 people die from cancer in High Peak. There are also 3,023 people living with and beyond cancer.

Macmillan is active in the High Peak area, providing an information pharmacist through the Boots-Macmillan partnership, and helping 120 people through its support services. Local people have also raised £39,300 for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Robert has been pushing hard to increase the capacity of local cancer services, including the campaign for the reinstatement of breast cancer mobile screening units in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and New Mills.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“It was very useful to meet with Macmillan to discuss the problems facing cancer diagnosis and treatment services in the High Peak, especially the waiting list created by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Cancer has devastated the lives of so many people in the High Peak, and all over the UK. It is crucial that we build up the capacity of the NHS rapidly, so that it can get through the current crisis, and help people who have been waiting for essential care over these past several months.”