A cancer patient in south-east London is expressing deep disappointment regarding plans to relocate his treatment to another facility. Matthew Venner, aged 42, is currently being treated for stage four Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in Orpington. However, the NHS trust intends to transfer cancer services to King’s College Hospital in Camberwell, which is 40 minutes away.
Cancer Care Relocation Risks My Health: Patient Fears
Mr. Venner fears that the travel time could jeopardize his health. The proposed move would make it challenging for his two children to visit him during treatment. While the King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust oversees both hospitals, it has proposed these changes to enhance patient care. No final decisions have been made yet.
Community Concern Over Treatment Accessibility
The proposal to move haematology inpatient cancer care from PRUH to King’s College Hospital has garnered significant attention. Last month, the trust announced its plans, impacting patients like Mr. Venner who rely on local access to specialized care. The suggested move would compel patients to seek inpatient treatment at the new site in Denmark Hill.
- Patient Concerns: Mr. Venner highlighted the difficulties of travel during treatment.
- Family Impact: He noted that his children could no longer visit him daily after school if relocated.
- Health Risks: Mr. Venner raised questions about journey safety, especially regarding potential infections.
Community Response to Proposed Changes
The community reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive of keeping inpatient haematology cancer care at PRUH. A petition initiated for this cause has attracted nearly 25,000 signatures. This demonstrates the local sentiment surrounding the importance of accessible cancer care.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for King’s College stated that these plans aim to enhance care for haematology patients. The trust emphasizes that they are building on existing arrangements, where some patients from the Bromley area have already been transferred to King’s for specialized treatment.
Conclusion
The uncertainty surrounding the relocation of cancer care has left many patients, including Mr. Venner, feeling distressed. The risks associated with travel and accessibility play a critical role in the emotional and physical well-being of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer.
