MP Visits York Against Cancer's Leveson Centre

York Central MP Rachel Maskell visited The Leveson Centre in advance of World Cancer Day and the publishing of the Government's National Cancer Plan.

The Leveson Centre is located at York Community Stadium and provides a welcoming and open environment for cancer patients and their family and friends.

The Centre is open from Monday to Sunday and offers a range of support services, including a weekly coffee morning, welfare support, therapy sessions and so much more.

Their doors are always open for cancer patients to drop in for a cuppa and a chat with a member of the team about any aspect of their cancer care.

It is fully funded and managed by York Against Cancer, an independent charity that provides care and support to people in York and North Yorkshire affected by cancer and their loved ones.

The charity also funds research at the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York and provides cancer awareness education and information.

Since it was founded in 1987, the charity has raised over £20 million to support people in York and across the region.

Yesterday (4th February), Labour launched its National Cancer Plan, led by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health, Ashley Dalton.

This plan will place more cancer doctors in necessary areas to help challenge stark health inequalities and tackle the 'postcode lottery' in care.

It will also implement regular NHS checks for those with a higher risk of inherited cancers through the world's first genetics programme.

Speaking on her visit to the Leveson Centre, MP Rachel Maskell said: "I learnt that a consultant often had only a matter of minutes to convey to a patient that they had cancer, yet such news takes time to process."

"The Leveson Centre gives all residents of York and those further afield the time to process their diagnosis and access a range of holistic support services to help them through their cancer experience."

She continued, saying: "I am so grateful for all they are doing; their work is truly invaluable."

When asked about the Government's National Cancer Plan, Maskell said: "I will do all I can to ensure it is delivered well in York."

York Against Cancer said: "We look forward to learning more about the National Cancer Plan and seeing how this will improve cancer care on a large scale."