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PRESS RELEASE from PETER AINSWORTH MP

Press release for immediate release: 26 November 2008

MARIE CURIE TO CLOSE CATERHAM HOSPICE

Cancer charity Marie Curie, which for many years has provided valuable specialist services for local cancer patients, is to close down its site in Caterham.

The news has come as a shock to the 65 staff, as well as to the local community.

Marie Curie argue that, as a result of the move, they will be able to offer nursing services to a larger number of patients in their homes. They claim that the existing Caterham day care and specialist services do not offer value for money. In addition, the charity is closing the in-patient beds it currently uses in North Downs Hospital and hoping to enter into arrangements with hospices in Crawley and Sydenham, as well as with Caterham Dene Hospital.

East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth held talks with Susan Munroe, Marie Curie's Director of Nursing and Patient services this week. Speaking after the meeting he said:

"I very much regret Marie Curie's decision to sever its long-standing ties with Caterham. Whilst residential care was ended at the Harestone Valley site three years ago, and there is certainly evidence that many cancer patients prefer to be treated at home, I am concerned that ending the specialist palliative care service, which has been of so much benefit to local families over the years, will be a retrograde step. Marie Curie argue that, after the changes, they will be able to treat three times the number of current patients. The Hospice presently treats some 600 patients a year. However, the concern is that, under the plans now being drawn up, patients will no longer have local access to specialist treatment and medicines.

"I recognise that, as an independent charity, Marie Curie is perfectly free to take its own decisions; however, I believe that they need to do a great deal more to convince local cancer sufferers and families that their plans are genuinely in the interests of our community."


This can also be found on Peter Ainsworth’s website