Cancer patients concerns raised

During a parliamentary debate yesterday on oncology services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, led by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur highlighted serious concerns about plans that could see cancer patients from the islands being required to return home each weekend during the course of their treatment.

The debate focused on staffing shortages in the ARI’s oncology department that had led to some patients having to be sent elsewhere in Scotland to receive their treatment or undergo surgery.

Mr McArthur and Mr Scott both highlighted the particular problems this presented for patients from the islands, who rely heavily on the support structure in Aberdeen provided by CLAN, the Red Cross and others.

Commenting following the debate, Mr McArthur said: “NHS Grampian appears close to filling staff vacancies in the ARI’s oncology department, which is good news.  Receiving treatment in Aberdeen is important to patients from the islands, who rely heavily on the wonderful support provided by CLAN and others.  This would simply not be available to the same extent elsewhere in the country.

“I am alarmed, however, at suggestions that cancer patients from Orkney and Shetland may be asked in future to return home at weekends.  During a visit to CLAN Haven earlier this week, I was told about possible changes that would see overnight stays only being funded between Monday and Thursday.

“It is not clear under what circumstances patients and family members would be expected to return home at weekends, rather than stay in the Haven, but alarm bells are ringing.  To be fair to the Minister, Michael Mathieson, he very much shared my concerns and undertook to investigate the situation as a matter of urgency.

“Mr Mathieson acknowledged that travel back and forth to the islands can take a considerable physical and emotional toll on those undergoing cancer treatment.  Adding to that makes no sense at all and for patients from the smaller islands in Orkney, trying to get to and from home at the weekend could prove logistically impossible.

“From my own personal experience, and from speaking to constituents who have been affected by cancer, I know that the support and advice provided by CLAN is truly invaluable.  I can see no good reason for disrupting that and hope the Minister will ensure this does not happen”.