Patients battling cancer will soon be able to undergo treatment in Littleport thanks to a new outreach service.

On Friday, a new oncology unit was opened at St George’s Medical Centre by North East Cambridgeshire MP, Steve Barclay.

The unit, which will be run by experts from Addenbrooke’s Hospital, will, where suitable, offer cancer patients treatment in Littleport, saving on a journey into Cambridge.

After cutting the ribbon, Mr Barclay said: “What is so brilliant about this new unit is the fact it is the first on oncology unit in North East Cambridgeshire.

“Health care provision in our area is one of the things I am most keen to see improved and so I see the opening of this unit as a major success, one that I hope we can build on by bringing similar services in.

“The unit gives a welcome boost to the area, but more importantly it ensures that residents will not have to travel any further than is necessary to receive life-saving treatment.

“It will also allow family members and friends to play a larger part in helping their loved one on the road to recovery.”

The new unit was also backed by the Isle of Ely Local Commissioning Group, which represents GP practices from across East Cambs and Fenland, including St George’s.

Gary Shepherd, practice manager at St George’s, told Littleport Life: “Whenever it is appropriate, the new unit will enable suitable patients to receive their oncology treatment in a local setting at Littleport rather than going to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, therefore reducing travelling, costs and time for patients.”