Welsh NHS and Chemotherapy

[Knickerthief1]

Posting here for traffic as I'm so frustrated. My dad was told he had prostate cancer likely spread to his spine in Mid January. It was confirmed that the cancer is in his spine fairly quickly. It took till last month to get a biopsy to confirm the cancer is on the aggressive side. He was finally referred to Oncology on 11th May. Chased up yesterday and was told they that the consultant hasn't looked at his file yet. Also they have no capacity in his local hospital - could he travel 30 miles to another one. He agreed although it's not ideal as my Mum will have to drive and has her own health issues. The secretary said she would speak to the consultant and call back today. No call. Phoned again and was told that the consultant is off today and the secretary is then off for a week so she'll leave a message. How the hell have things got this bad? My dad who has been fairly positive is so low now, as he says it's clear that at 77 he doesnt count. I want to help but it's just a dead end everywhere. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Is there a Welsh equivalent of PALS?

This sounds awful, your poor dad

A lawyers note to the hospital documenting the time wasting of the hospital and asking for correct care. Check what the national guidelines say for referral times for cancer that has spread.

Looking on line Welsh hospitals do seem to have PALS. Do I would start there.

I am sorry it’s come to this for your father and fight mode seems to be the best way to go. Push via PALS

on a political note this is what a Labour Government as got the Welsh nhs into. So just as bad as the Tory in England. It’s time all parties got together and sorted it instead of using the nhs to score points leaving the people on the streets in this mess.

Email the CEO of the hospital - in my experience, going straight to the top usually gets things moving. Or call and ask for their PA. Hope you get things sorted

Thanks for the ideas. I'll look up the details and see what tomorrow brings. It's awful 😢

It’s not just his age. DH late 40’s waited several months for treatment for his cancer, by which time his cancer had grown and spread and isn’t curable. He also had to travel to a different hospital. We had phoned the secretary repeatedly to be told the consultant has his file on his desk/it’s in the pile/he’s on holiday. Betsi Cadwaladr is repeatedly failing its patients in our area, it’s appalling.

There is a hospital transport service so your dad will be able to be picked up and taken/brought home when he does get a date for treatment. I hope you can get somewhere and your father can soon start some treatment

Which bit of Wales are you in?

There is a massive shortage of oncologists in Wales. Add to it health morbidities from depravation and our aging population and it’s a losing game.

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You must be so angry. My dad is under Betsi Cadwallader as well. It's beyond shocking and never seems to improve.

Wrexham - failing health trust unfortunately.

So sorry to hear this, it’s totally unacceptable. I wonder if at some point the public will bring legal cases against the Government (not the NHS as that is dependent on what the government gives it). Because what’s going on is a bloody national scandal.

Can you go to Glan Clwyd instead? They are the main Cancer unit in North Wales, and seem to do things a bit quicker. I know this from personal experience. Otherwise keep ringing & chasing things up. Wrexham hospital have been useless on several occasions for me too