Cancer nurse, and Member of Parliament for Lewes, Maria Caulfield, has questioned a decision reached by the Department of Health not to fund second stem cell transplants for adults and children with blood cancers.

Attending a recent session of Health Questions within the Commons Chamber, the Lewes MP looked to highlight that clinical evidence has demonstrated the benefits of stem cell transplants for those that relapse, which has seen cancer charity the Anthony Nolan Trust and 36 specialists put representations forward to the Health Secretary supporting this evidence.

Speaking afterwards Maria said:

“I understand that this is a difficult topic for the Department for Health to manage, when the decision that they reach ultimately come down to the difference between life and death.”

“I am therefore reassured by the Ministers response to my question, in which he confirmed that although under previous data funding was not deemed feasible, there will be a further review next April.”

“I sincerely hope that that data, together with representations from the Anthony Noland Trust and the 36 specialists will result in the current decision being overturned.”

To watch the full exchange in the Commons Chamber please visit the following link:

http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/3d306569-d388-4e89-8858-026823dc94ab?in=12:25:15&out=12:26:05