Yesterday (Tuesday) the Scottish Parliament held a debate on brain tumours which was introduced by Foysol Choudhury MSP.
Mr Choudhury opened the debate by thanking colleagues who had signed his Parliamentary Motion, which noted that brain tumours must be treated as a clinical and strategic priority by government.
The debate saw cross-party contribution from ten MSPs, as well as the Minister, and saw the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Neil Gray remain in the chamber to listen to the opening speeches.
Beatrice Wishart MSP, who has hosted awareness events for Brain Tumour Research, praised the work of the University of Plymouth for their ongoing research into developing a non-invasive blood test to help diagnose and classify meningiomas. She said that it would “spare future patients from having to undergo invasive surgery, which is what happened to one of my daughters”.
Ms Wishart said she was pleased to announce that she had garnered support from across the chamber to form a Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours. Subject to the necessary formalities the new group shall be underway soon, with Brain Tumour Research offering the Secretariat. Thanks to Ben MacPherson MSP, Finlay Carson MSP, Jackson Carlaw MSP. Colin Smyth MSP, Foysol Choudhury MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP for lending their support.
The group will raise awareness of the issues facing the brain tumour community in order to improve research, diagnosis, information, support, treatment and care outcomes.
Minister Jenni Minto said that she will be very happy to come along to the Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours once it has been established.
Our Policy and Public Affairs Manager Thomas Brayford attended the debate, along with campaigner Nadia Majid (pictured above), and has written a blog about the debate which can be read here.
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