§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will appoint a working party, including radiologists and representatives of related disciplines, to identify any errors in past radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer and to investigate possible improvements in such treatment.
§ Baroness CumberlegeAt our request, the Royal College of Radiologists agreed to carry out a clinical review of women damaged by radiotherapy treatment in nine radiotherapy centres. This review should yield useful information about common factors in treatment which 5WA might have led to adverse effects. The need for further studies will be assessed.
§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will establish a network of centres to which women suffering disability as a result of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer can come for assessment without the need for referral by a GP.
§ Baroness CumberlegeGuidelines on the management of women with an adverse reaction following exposure to radiation have been approved by the Faculty Board of Clinical Oncology of the Royal College of Radiology and the Joint Council of Clinical Oncology and will be circulated shortly. It is for individual health authorities to determine if additional services for women suffering disability as a result of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer are required in their own areas.
§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will set up a compensation scheme for women suffering disability as a result of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
§ Baroness CumberlegeI have the greatest sympathy with those suffering as a result of any medical side effect. We consider, however, that compensation by the National Health Service is only appropriate where there is evidence of medical negligence. The Government's position remains that the basis for granting compensation should be through proof of negligence through the courts.