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"Repeated cancelled appointments and lack of local services"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Breast care service Queen Margaret Hospital / Medical Oncology

(as the patient),

I have had my oncology checkup cancelled three times this year and I’m still without a date for an appointment. I waited for a phone appointment that was supposed to be at half ten and when it got to midday, I called up to be told it had been cancelled. No one had let me know this. The member of staff on the appointments line was very apologetic even though it was in no way their fault. I have to travel a few hours by bus to get to an outreach clinic as NHS Fife does not deal with breast cancer services and my oncologist comes over from Edinburgh. I find it hard to write or talk about any aspect of my experience- past or present and subsequently feel like I haven’t fought hard enough for myself. It saddens me that it feels like you have to fight for the right care (for oneself), and to be seen as a person rather than a statistic. 

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Responses

Response from Lucy Cockburn, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist / Breast Team Lead, Breast Service, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Lucy Cockburn
Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist / Breast Team Lead, Breast Service,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 28/08/2025 at 10:13
Published on Care Opinion at 10:13


Hi Gerasmus.

We are sorry to hear that your experience within the breast service hasn't been good. The break down in communication has caused you unnecessary stress during what is already a stressful time and for this we sincerely apologise. NHS fife does have a breast cancer service. It sounds like you are not aware of how our service can help and support you. We would encourage you to get in touch with us so that we can discuss your concerns further. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

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Update posted by Gerasmus (the patient)

If NHS Fife has a breast cancer service why has all my treatment been carried out in Tayside and Edinburgh? My oncologist is Edinburgh based and comes through to do a clinic in Fife as there is a need for it. I am not the only person I know in this situation so I don’t really understand what you mean by my lack of awareness regarding what’s available?

Response from Lucy Cockburn, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist / Breast Team Lead, Breast Service, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Lucy Cockburn
Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist / Breast Team Lead, Breast Service,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 29/08/2025 at 10:05
Published on Care Opinion at 10:05


Hi Gerasmus,

More than happy to discuss your concerns further. You can contact myself on 01383 625091 or email me on lucy.cockburn@nhs.scot.

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