Surgery is likely to take place at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital

Surgery for patients with cancer of the oesophagus is now likely to take place in Plymouth rather than Truro.

Cornwall councillor Eric Parkin says the decision is too hasty and wants to call a meeting to discuss the plans.

Health chiefs say the planned move is in response to national guidance on improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Patient travel

Surgery for gastro-intestinal cancer services is currently carried out at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. The plans are to move it to a specialist centre at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.

Mr Parkin, who is chairman of the council's health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee, has asked the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust to hold off the move until after the public meeting he plans to hold on 16 April.

He said there was growing concern about the move, and its effects on patients and their families.

If surgery is transferred elsewhere, it could mean some patients and relatives travelling hundreds of miles.

The primary care trust is also considering transferring head and neck cancer and complex gynaecological cancer services.