9,000 signatures handed to NHS chiefs over plan to move cancer services from Wolverhampton to Cannock
Almost 9,000 signatures opposing proposals to move breast cancer services from Wolverhampton to Cannock have been handed into health bosses.
The plans would see breast cancer patients who have surgery that requires an overnight stay treated at Cannock.
Only cases deemed as complex will remain at New Cross with outpatients and day cases being treated at either site depending on the choice of the individual.
But the plans have been met with fury by campaigners, Wolverhampton Breast Cancer Action and Support Group.
See also: Work under way at Cannock Hospital to cater for increased numbers.
The group, which has 120 members, has collected a total of 8,882 signatures by going out three days a week for the last four weeks, to supermarkets, the city centre, Wolves games and outside the Light House Media Centre.
Jean Hancox, from Tettenhall, who is chair of the support group, said: "The level of support has been beyond our wildest dreams and many people who have signed simply didn't know about this consultation.
"They have been queuing to sign our petition which shows how many people are behind us.
"We are against the move of planned surgery to Cannock and we believe that the consultation has been flawed. Our aim is to keep breast surgery in Wolverhampton."
Maxine Espley, director of planning and contracting at the hospital trusts, was joined by chair of Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Dr Dan de Rosa.
Ms Espley said: "Obviously there is concern from one particular surgical service and we thank the Breast Cancer Action and Support Group for their efforts and feedback.
"We still need more response from members of the public into this consultation.
"This isn't the only service that could be effected and we need to get a more rounded response from the population.
"We stress that all breast cancer services are not moving to Cannock only part of them have been proposed."
See also: 40 minute bus ride for patients transferred to Cannock Hospital.
A statement from the Royal Hospital NHS Trust said it was committed to listening to and reviewing all comments.
Dr de Rosa added: "There is plenty of time for people to have their say in the consultation. We want as many people as possible to respond so we can get a clear idea of what needed. Other groups who could be effected need to be more vocal."
The consultation can be viewed at www.wolverhamptonccg.nhs.uk
