Cancer patients in mid Essex could face gruelling journeys to Ipswich for radiotherapy treatment if Colchester loses its status as a main cancer unit.

Mid Essex now comes under the Eastern Health region, rather than North Thames, and cancer services are being subjected to a new review.

A campaign has already started in Colchester to retain the unit there, and patients in mid Essex are now joining the protest.

Janet Roder, of CHASIME -- Cancer Help and Support in Mid Essex -- said: "If you asked any cancer patients about this, they would give a resounding 'No'.

"Many patients we talk to on our helpline say that travelling to Colchester is far enough, but having to go to Ipswich would be completely unacceptable and we would definitely be against it."

Patients across mid Essex, including Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree, Witham, South Woodham and Burnham, face the prospect of long distance travelling for courses of treatment.

Although there is a chemotherapy unit at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, patients have always had to go at least as far as Colchester for radiotherapy.

Linda Tubb, deputy chief officer of Mid Essex Community Health Council, which represents patients, said: "We would certainly need to be involved in discussions over such a major scheme and we are seeking to establish what the situation is."

West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns has pledged to fight the prospect of the move. He said: "I am very concerned about the future of local cancer services for my constituents.

"The thought of cancer patients possibly having to travel to Ipswich, 40 miles away, for treatment would be a nightmare. What we need is more services at a local level."

Mr Burns, who has met health officials to express his concern, said that there was speculation that a shake-up in the service could lead to it being moved to Ipswich.

Anyone who would like to express a view about the possible move of cancer services can write to Mid Essex Community Health Council, 4-5 New Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 INT.

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