Doctors say more cancer specialists needed in A&E

The Royal College of Physicians claims Wales needs more oncology experts in A&E to recognise and treat cancer-related emergencies.

 

The Welsh government said all acute hospitals were expected to have an acute oncology service.

 

The RCP has called for investment in emergency cancer care because of the sheer volume of patients who need urgent care during their treatment.  With around 20 per cent of acute hospital beds occupied by patients who have a cancer-related problem, they add that about a third of admissions could be avoided if same-day care were more widely available in Wales, which in turn would relieve pressure on hospitals.

 

Dr Hilary Williams, consultant oncologist and Wales Cancer Network lead for acute oncology, said “Whenever a patient lives in Wales, they should be able to access excellent acute oncology services.

 

“When people think about cancer treatment, they might think about undergoing surgery or receiving chemotherapy in an organised way, perhaps during weekday hours in a specialist centre.  But what happens when an emergency arises?”

 

The Welsh government’s cancer delivery plan for 2016-2020 made a commitment to seven-day provision for acute oncology services, followed by a “quality statement for cancer” in March 2021, which set out promises for fully integrated services.

 

However, the RCP said this is still not a reality everywhere.

 

The Welsh government said “We have set out a comprehensive approach to improving cancer outcomes, including committing to detect cancer earlier and setting an expectation of all acute hospitals having an Acute Oncology Service.”

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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