MEMBERS of Parliament visited the UK's largest hospital dedicated to neurology and neurosurgery.

Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham, and Sajid Javid, MP and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, visited staff at Queen Square Neurosurgery Hospital.

The visit came 11 years to the day that Mr Opperman collapsed in the House of Commons with a brain tumour, and needed emergency surgery at Queen Square.

The hosptial comprehensive services for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of all conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system and muscles.

According to The Brain Tumour Charity, less than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years, compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers.

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Guy said: "It was exciting to be at Queen Square Neurosurgery 11 years to the day since my lifesaving brain tumour operation.

"It was amazing to revisit my old ward, and speak with the consultants, doctors and nurses with Health Secretary, Sajid Javid.

He added: "We went through the progress that has been made, and how we can ensure brain tumour research funding gets to the front line."

Hexham Courant: CARE: Guy Opperman MP with Sajid Javid MP visiting Queens Square Neurosurgery hospital. Image: Guy Opperman MPCARE: Guy Opperman MP with Sajid Javid MP visiting Queens Square Neurosurgery hospital. Image: Guy Opperman MP

Guy was diagnosed with a meningioma approximately the size of a woman's fist in the back left side of his brain.

Almost a quarter of all brain tumours in adults are meningiomas, while they are very rare in children.

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The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated global funder of brain tumour research. 

The charity says meningiomas are usually low-grade tumours, slow growing, and unlikely to spread, although there are exceptional circumstances.

Mr Opperman's tumour, which was not malignant, was removed through two operations performed by the consultant and surgeon Neil Kitchen. 

Guy has fundraised for Queen Square Neurosurgery hospital on various occasions since and has made a full recovery.