Local MPs visit Lung Health Check facility in Tilbury
Published 24 May 2021
The Targeted Lung Health Checks programme team received a visit on 21 May from Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price and on 24 May from Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock. They both visited the CT Scanning unit at Asda Tilbury, and heard first-hand how many residents have already benefited from the lung health checks programme.
Over 4000 people have already been sent an invite to have a lung health check, which is initially done over the phone. Around 40% of people have taken up the opportunity receive a virtual consultation, which determines if they might need a low dose CT scan of their lungs. Figures up to March show that 355 people have had a scan and around 25% of those people had been found to have symptoms that needed further investigation or treatment.
Jackie Doyle-Price MP said:
“This is a brilliant scheme and it was great to hear that Thurrock, twinned with Luton, is one of the trailblazer sites delivering the National Targeted Lung Health checks programme. The scanning facility is state of the art, and the impact it will have on improving outcomes for people who may not know they had cancer, will be immense.
“If you are in the eligible group and you have received an invite, make sure you take it up, it could save your life.”
Stephen Metcalfe MP said:
“I have heard good things about the lung screening scheme and can see the level of investment that has gone into it. Detecting cancers early and treating them sooner means better outcomes for people. I urge people come forward when they are invited.
“Thurrock is one of the first trailblazer sites and I look forward to hearing more about the success of the programme as it continues.”
The programme started in November 2020, and invites have been sent in a phased way. The Lung Health Checks team, which is run by NELFT, is supported by Thurrock CCG and local stop smoking services. The programme will continue for three years.
Dr Anil Kallil, GP from Thurrock said:
“Being able to show our local MPs the work that has gone into making this lung health checks pilot happen for Thurrock residents really gives a boost to the programme. As GPs we are encouraging all our eligible residents to take up their invitation when it comes. Don’t delay, make your appointment.”