AFTER his blunder in parliament yesterday calling the Sunrise Centre in Truro the Sunset centre, Derek Thomas MP has issued a statement concerning so called "rumours" about moving radiotherapy services to Plymouth.

"As far as I am aware, is no plan (sic) to move radiotherapy from RCHT. There is simply no plan," he said.

"This is also not the intended outcome of further investment in radiotherapy. There is a consultation regarding a new investment of £130 million in radiotherapy treatment for less common and rare cancers. This consultation has been extended until 24th January.

"I have made it clear to NHS England and NHS managers in Cornwall that I would not support existing services being moved from RCHT."

He added: "On Friday I have met (sic) with Cornwall’s NHS managers to discuss the likely implication for patients who need radiotherapy treatment. I have requested information regarding how many people currently receive radiotherapy for rare cancers in Cornwall each year on average and where this treatment currently is provided.

"The distance people are required to travel for treatment must always be a consideration when designing new services.

"Please be assured I will continue to follow this closely and do all I can to ensure patient care is at the forefront of all decision making regarding how this £130 million in radiotherapy treatment is used."

Responding to Mr Thomas, the NHS issued a statement saying: "It is not NHS England’s intention to reduce the number of radiotherapy providers, nor is it considered to be a likely outcome of these proposals.

"Their aim is to encourage radiotherapy providers to work together in Networks to concentrate expertise and improve pathways for patients requiring radical radiotherapy for the less common and rarer cancers. This may mean that in some areas that some activity is concentrated and redistributed within the Network geography to other providers in order to secure access for patients to the very best specialist treatment and care."

During Prime Minister’s question time yesterday, Mr Thomas asked Theresa May what she would be doing to reassure his constituents that radiotherapy services will not be moved out of the "Sunset" Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital instead of the Sunrise Centre in Truro.

Replying to Mr Thomas, the Prime Minister said she did recognise the importance of insuring that people have access to these treatments that they require. "We do recognise the issues people face in relation to travelling to those centres where those services are available," she said.

"This is primarily a decision to be taken at a local level."

She said she would encourage people to take part in the consultation and respond to the consultation so their views can truly be heard and taken into account.

You can respond to the consultation here. You have until January 24 to do so.