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Care Opinion

Access to cancer treatment centres within NHS Fife

Posted By French Man

"Access to cancer treatment centres within NHS Fife"

About: Victoria Hospital / Clincal Oncology Victoria Hospital / Gynaecology Victoria Hospital / Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS) Western General Hospital / Oncology

(as a relative),

I was diagnosed with cancer of the womb over a year ago. I had all of my treatment within NHS Fife as I reside in Fife. However post hysterectomy, it was best I had chemotherapy, which would require for me to travel to Western General Hospital In Edinburgh, which is a 27 mile journey.

I am of a few fortunate ones who is in a position to travel there and back in the comfort of my own car and support from family members as in when required. This cannot be said for all patients suffering with similar cancer diagnosis. Firstly, how are patients able to afford to travel every day/week/other week to Edinburgh for treatment?

Appreciate some may have access to the NHS travel bus, but to be frank, that's a long, tedious, anxious travel for some of the sick patients post chemo/radiotherapy when all they want to do is get home swiftly, but have no choice but to endure a 1-2 hour travel back home depending where they are situated in Fife. But not only that, there is the added travel from NHS bus drop off point back to their home. This all adds to the mental strain and general well-being of those patients on top of having cancer.

Secondly, were is the quality of care being provided to the patients within NHS Fife with better access to cancer treatment centres within NHS Fife? Why is there a gap to have cancer treatment for endometrial, cervical and vulval patients within Fife? Is this not discriminating NHS Fife patients with endometrial, cervical and vulval cancers? Or any other treatment for that matter that require treatment at Great Western Hospital?

I do feel empathy is lost in these circumstances, the whole treatment process has not been very well mapped out by NHS Fife. Therefore I urge for NHS Fife Cancer service teams to look to have better cancer care for all within NHS Fife. We should have just as good quality care within NHS Fife and not be looking to pass patients to Edinburgh because the infrastructure isn't there, hasn't been established nor thought through.

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Responses

Response from Laura Reid, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gynae-Oncology, NHS Fife 3 months ago
Laura Reid
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gynae-Oncology,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 05/01/2024 at 14:59
Published on Care Opinion at 14:59

Hello,

Happy to discuss this if you would like to contact me directly on the contact details provided. Also happy to liaise with the Western General on the concerns raised.

laura.reid@nhs.scot

Regards

Laura

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Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 3 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/01/2024 at 09:34
Published on Care Opinion at 09:34

Dear French Man

My name is Murdina MacDonald and I am the Lead Cancer Nurse for NHS Fife. I appreciate you sharing your experience and concerns regarding the challenges patients face, especially in terms of travel and access to cancer treatment within NHS Fife. It’s clear from your perspective that there are issues impacting the well-being of patients undergoing cancer treatment, and your insights shed light on the need for us to review the support within Fife.

Your advocacy for enhanced services within NHS Fife will contribute to the ongoing improvement and quality of care in Fife.

I will share your concerns directly with our Cancer Leadership Team and with the General Manager and Clinical Nurse Manager of this service for consideration.

I notice that our Gynaecological oncology Cancer Nurse specialist has reached out to you. However I appreciate the confidentiality of the service likely empowered you to express your thoughts.

Your perspective is valuable in promoting positive changes in our services

Wishing you continued good health.

Kind Regards

Murdina

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Response from Claire Massey, Interim Clinical Nurse Manager, Gynaecology, NHS Fife 3 months ago
Claire Massey
Interim Clinical Nurse Manager, Gynaecology,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/01/2024 at 09:51
Published on Care Opinion at 09:51

Dear French Man,

Thank you for your feedback regarding your experience of cancer treatment within NHS Fife, we really appreciate your feedback and I am sorry that your experience was so difficult.

As stated above by Laura, our Gynaecology Oncology Nurse Specialist is available to discuss this with you. Alternatively, please feel free to contact myself on 01592 729940 or at claire.massey@nhs.scot. I am the Clinical Nurse Manager for Gynaecology.

Kind regards Claire Massey

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Response from Siobhan Mcilroy, Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services, NHS Fife 3 months ago
Siobhan Mcilroy
Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/01/2024 at 09:55
Published on Care Opinion at 09:55

picture of Siobhan Mcilroy

Dear French Man

My name is Siobhan McIlroy and I am the Head of Patient Experience. NHS Fife welcomes all feedback, so thank you for taking the time to post on Care Opinion. I am sorry for the delay in you receiving a response.

I understand your concerns about patients having to travel to Edinburgh regularly for treatment and the financial impact this must have on them. As you have said the additional impact and challenge of travelling back and forth must be adding to an already stressful time.

I see that Laura, Clinical Nurse Specialist has provided her contact details so that she can discuss this further with you.

Thank you again for sharing your story, and I hope you can discuss this further with the NHS Fife Cancer team. Take care and best wishes. Siobhan

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Response from Mariska Vernon-Stroud, Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 3 months ago
Mariska Vernon-Stroud
Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

I gather feedback from patients to recognise good practise and supporting improving services in NHS Lothian.

Submitted on 08/01/2024 at 10:37
Published on Care Opinion at 10:37

Dear French Man,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story of the challenges when accessing oncology services out with your health board. I can see that individuals with NHS Fife have reached out to offer support and guidance. I hope this supports you in your future care and treatment.

Best wishes,

Mariska

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