Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has visited the Cancer Bus at the Fordbridge Centre to see how NHS teams are bringing cancer awareness, screening information and health advice directly into local communities.

The specially adapted red double-decker bus visited the Fordbridge Centre on Wednesday, September 16, as part of a wider tour across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull.

The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board and the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.

It aims to make it easier for residents to access information about cancer, understand potential signs and symptoms, and take up screening opportunities.

During his visit, Mr Bhatti met NHS staff and partners involved in delivering the service and learned how residents can access information and advice closer to home.

The visit also coincided with the mobile cervical screening service being available at the centre.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Bhatti said: "It was great to see the Cancer screening Bus here in Fordbridge, bringing trusted health advice and screening information directly into our community.

"Making healthcare more accessible locally is a key priority for me, and initiatives like this can help people get the advice they need and encourage more residents to take up potentially life-saving screening.

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"I'll continue to work to secure better healthcare provision for residents across Solihull, including my ongoing campaign for an A&E at Solihull Hospital."

Jo Tolley, Head of Programmes - Cancer and Diagnostics for NHS Birmingham and Solihull and NHS Black Country, said: "It was fantastic to welcome Saqib Bhatti MP to our cancer bus tour.

"We know that conversations about cancer can sometimes feel uncomfortable and may even be considered taboo by some.

"That's why we're committed to creating safe, accessible opportunities for people to talk openly with NHS staff and our partners about cancer, while also providing easy access to health checks and screening.

"Early diagnosis saves lives, and we're determined to ensure that everyone in our communities can access the support they need."

Mr Bhatti said securing more healthcare resources for Solihull remains a key priority, having supported the delivery of a new Locality Hub, Urgent Treatment Centre, Elective Hub and the North Solihull Community Diagnostic Centre in Chelmsley Wood, which opened in 2025 after he secured funding.

He also continues to campaign for the restoration of A&E services at Solihull Hospital, raising the issue with NHS leaders and in Parliament.