Blog Layout

Cancer must be a health priority in 2022

Carla Lockhart MP • January 4, 2022

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has written to Health Minister Robin Swann MLA to press for cancer care to take greater priority in 2022, with a focus on addressing aspects of care impacted by the pandemic.

Carla Lockhart said:


“Since the start of the pandemic, the impact on cancer care has been significant. Diagnosis of cancer has been missed or delayed due to a reduction and restriction on services. This has led to prognosis being impacted on, and sadly some have lost their lives due to this.


Similarly, there are many people across Northern Ireland who have had cancer operations – even red flag procedures – cancelled at short notice. This is devastating to the patient and their loved ones and of course also can impact on their prognosis. 


We need to see 2022 as a year when catch up within cancer care is a health focus. Whilst COVID will remain with us, we simply cannot put cancer patients and cancer care behind COVID in the queue for care. If we do, lives will be lost that could have otherwise been saved. That is the stark reality.


Over the Christmas period I have had several families contact me concerning appointments they are waiting on for cancer treatment/diagnosis. This is just unacceptable and needs addressed. 


I hope the Health Minister will work to protect and enhance the cancer care provision over this coming year. This will require investment, and ministerial direction. I hope this will be seen in 2022 and that cancer patients will be prioritised as they ought to be.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to take urgent action to support the hospitality sector, warning that Labour’s Budget is pushing small and family-run businesses to the brink. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP for Upper Bann, has praised the wonderful legacy of Girlguiding Waringstown as she joined past and present members at a special 65th Anniversary Exhibition in Brownlow House, Lurgan, on Saturday past. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has thanked all those who attended her monthly advice clinics in Banbridge and Loughgall on Friday past, highlighting the importance of these sessions in providing direct support to local people. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed the exciting changes at Herrons Country Fried Chicken in Portadown, now under the new management of local entrepreneur Darren Ogle.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has welcomed the opening of two new "Drop & Collect" Post Office branches in Banbridge and Lurgan, providing greater convenience for parcel collections, returns, and bill payments. However, she has also stressed the importance of maintaining full Post Office services for the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has expressed her delight at the commencement of resurfacing works in Clanbrassil Park, a much-needed improvement that will benefit local residents. The resurfacing project, has been eagerly anticipated after Ms Lockhart confirmed the works with DFI a number of months ago.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the decision to scrap the requirement for scrutiny of assisted suicide cases by a High Court judge is another reason why even those who may have initially supported the Assisted Dying Bill should be concerned.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2025
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart, who is Chair of the All-Party Pro-Life Group at Westminster, has expressed deep concern at the latest abortion statistics for Northern Ireland, which show a 28.8% increase in abortions carried out in the past year. In 2023/24, 2,792 abortions were performed - 624 more than the previous year’s total of 2,168.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the incredible work of Scotch Street Youth & Community Centre (SSYC) following its recent AGM, where she had the honour of chairing proceedings. The event brought together young people, families, and dedicated volunteers to celebrate another successful year for the centre, which continues to provide a vital space for youth engagement and community activities. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2025
Residents across Upper Bann continue to experience widespread internet and phone signal disruptions in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, with many left without essential connectivity for days. MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has been working closely with providers including Fibrus, O2, BT, Sky, Openreach, and Vodafone to ensure services are restored as quickly as possible. 
More Posts
Share by: