Two of the country's top specialists have recommended, after a detailed investigation, that surgery for these cancers be centralised at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. Other elements of care, from out-patient appointments to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and follow-up checks would continue to be provided as locally as possible.

Although the creation of a single specialist surgical centre should bring real benefits in terms of survival and cure rates for people with these rare cancers, we are aware that the increased travel distance would be a concern for patients having their operation away from their local hospital, and for their families.

The aim of the PCT is to now collect views and advice on what needs to be taken into account from a patient perspective in responding to the review recommendations. This will help us understand how our proposals could be implemented and so make things work as well as possible for all.

We appreciate that local people want more detail about the plans, and we would like to be able to give more reassurance about the practicalities of providing minimally invasive oesophagectomy surgery from a single site for Devon and Cornwall in Plymouth.

Public meetings have now been planned – they are:

• Monday 8 June 6-8PM, at the Exeter Guildhall , High Street, Exeter, EX4 3EB
• Tuesday 9 June 6-8PM, at the Town Hall, St Andrew Street, Tiverton, EX16 6PG
• Tuesday 16 June 6-8PM, at The Chamber, Exmouth Town Council, St Andrews Road, Exmouth, EX8 1AW

Click the link to view the full report.

Click the link to view or download the PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGE OR DEVELOPMENT: IMPACT ASSESSMENT - Review and recommendations for the creation of a single centre in Devon and Cornwall for upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery

For general enquiries please call 01392 267646