Rowen calls for an end to 'Post-Code' Lottery!

2.53.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jun 2006

Paul Rowen MP - Speaking at a recent ceremony for victims of Asbestosis and Mesothelioma.

Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen has called for assurances that people in Rochdale are not affected by a 'Post-Code Lottery' when it comes to treatments for Asbestosis and Mesothelioma patients. This is especially a concern in Rochdale where a number of former workers at the former Turner Brothers Site are affected. Paul recently attended a meeting of the All Party Asbestos Group in Parliament. It was at this meeting that a consultant, who specialises in cancer treatments gave examples of the Post-Code Lottery, citing several people who were denied treatment because of where they live, despite those treatments being licensed by NICE.

Paul Rowen MP said, "This is a big concern and I would like to think that any licensed treatment would be available, especially in places like Rochdale. I would hope that every possible treatment is available for anyone in our area suffering from Asbestosis and Mesothelioma, and I will not be happy to find out that we are the victims of any post-code lottery. It seems unfortunate that in this day and age there can be health inequalities because of where you happen to live. There are many people in Rochdale suffering from these diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after the first exposure to asbestos so we need to make sure that the best possible treatment is available for people."

"Many of the people affected have contracted mesothelioma or asbestosis as a result of exposure to asbestos ."

"One example is that it appears that people across the country have been informed by NHS doctors that they would benefit from Alimta, but that the Primary Care Trusts would not pay for the treatment. At the root of this mesothelioma treatment postcode lottery was the decision taken by the Primary Care Trusts to withhold treatment until the outcome of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) evaluation of Alimta is published in October 2006. I believe that many people would not live to see the outcome of the NICE Review and I would hope to see every possible treatment available now."