MLAs pledge to support cancer prevention and resourcing at the 2024 SDLP Conference
This Saturday at the SDLP Annual Conference, MPs, MLAs, and Councillors pledged to support cancer prevention and the resourcing of the NI Cancer Strategy.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland attended the conference to speak with elected officials about the challenges cancer patients face and to urge action on important cancer issues, among them the cancer waiting times and delays to the implementation of the NI Cancer Strategy. As part of this, MPs, MLAs, and Councillors were asked to sign a “Cancer Commitment”: that they would support the NI Cancer Strategy to ensure delivery on cancer prevention and research, to improve cancer outcomes.
The charity also highlighted to representatives the support services for cancer patients available across NI, so they could help signpost their constituents to help.
Reflecting on the conference, which was held held on 5th October 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast, Emily Bishko, Policy & Public Affairs Officer at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, says:
“Our mission as a charity is to support local people on their cancer journey and to work to reduce the risk, impact, and outcomes of all cancers. As part of this, one of our strategic objectives is to ‘be your local cancer voice.’ At the conference today, we were able to do just that by bringing cancer issues and patient stories directly to elected officials.
“We are encouraged that so many of the SDLP representatives shared our concerns around cancer in NI and signed our pledge. Through legislation and budgets, elected officials facilitate the resourcing of health services, the promotion of healthy habits, and a whole-system approach to cancer. At the same time, they are representatives, with direct contact to constituents. They are invaluable partners in spreading awareness of cancer symptoms, information, and the support services available to people across NI.
“We had a great day at the conference, and hope that we will soon see words turned into action. We will be here to support at every step of the way.”
Signatures to the the Cancer Focus NI “Cancer Commitment” include:
- Claire Hanna MP
- Colum Eastwood MP
- Matthew O’Toole MLA
- Colin McGrath MLA
- Mark H Durkan MLA
- Daniel McCrossan MLA
- Patsy McGlone MLA
- Sinéad McLaughlin MLA
- Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr
- Cllr Pat Catney
- Cllr John Gallen
- Cllr Terry Andrews
- Cllr Sean Mooney
- Cllr Rory Farrell
- Former MLA Dolores Kelly
“Cancer Commitment” signees with Cancer Focus NI at the SDLP Party Conference 2024:
