South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper has this week welcomed the decision by NHS Dumfries and Galloway to review cancer treatment pathways for patients in the west of the region.
At present, cancer patients in the Stewartry and Wigtownshire area are being referred to Edinburgh for diagnosis and treatment. This is despite the fact that Glasgow is closer to the region, with easier access and shorter journey times.
Emma, who previously worked as a nurse in NHS Dumfries & Galloway said:
“I welcome the decision that has been made by the Dumfries and Galloway Health Board to review cancer treatment pathways for people in our region. I have spoken to many cancer patients who have been forced to make long journeys to be diagnosed and treated for this cruel disease.
“For a lot of these people, their location means that they must be up very early in the morning to be able to travel to make appointments on time. For those using hospital transport, this can be an extremely long and uncomfortable experience. This too will add to the patient’s stress and none of it will aid recovery time for patients. These people deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect.”
The announcement to review cancer care was made by NHS Dumfries & Galloway Chief Executive Jeff Ace following a Health Board meeting on Monday 6th June.
Commenting further, Emma added:
“I trust that NHS Dumfries and Galloway will take different pathways into consideration to enable them to make the right choice. I would also like to give a warm thank you to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and other local organisations who have been making a difference to patients’ lives.”
