Today, in the House of Commons, I raised the case of Aaron Winstanley, of Barton-upon-Humber, who is currently in Germany receiving immunotherapy treatment for a rare form of cancer.
Aaron has received fantastic support from the local community who have raised almost £150,000 – half the £300,000 that his treatment costs.
I am grateful to the Health Minister, Steve Brine, for promising to put me in touch with the National Cancer Director, Cally Palmer, to discuss the matter further. He also committed to ensuring that cancer care is central to the NHS’ new long-term plan.
I applaud the work of the local community to raise both money and awareness of Aaron and his condition. It is vital that immunotherapy treatment is brought to England as soon as possible. I look forward to discussing the matter with the National Cancer Director at the earliest opportunity.
Read the House of Commons exchange below:
Martin Vickers, Cleethorpes
My constituent, Aaron Winstanley, from Barton-upon-Humber is currently in Germany receiving immunotherapy treatment for a rare form of cancer. The local community has reacted magnificently, raising around half of the £300,000 that this treatment costs. Could the Minister outline what is being done to introduce this treatment into England?
Steve Brine The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care
I wish my hon. Friend’s constituent well and pay tribute to the money that the local community has raised. I will connect my hon. Friend to the office of Cally Palmer, the national cancer director. As we write the new long-term plan for the NHS - to which the cancer stream is so central - we will ensure that innovative new technologies and treatments that were not thought of even a few years ago are also at its centre.