Wales must set up ‘coronavirus-free' cancer hubs quicker

Cancer Research UK in Wales has warned that the country is lagging behind England when it comes to setting up hubs free of coronavirus to treat cancer patients.

The charity said the response to treating patients in Wales in a safe environment had been too slow, leaving many patients ‘worried and anxious’.

The Welsh Government said decisions on services should be decided locally, but in England it was recently revealed that thousands of cancer patients will be seen at new centres designed to be clear of coronavirus. The new centres have been set up in 21 areas for urgent surgery during the pandemic.

Some health boards in Wales say they have begun designating specific hospitals to ensure cancer treatment and other urgent primary care can resume safely. However, it is believed that only about a quarter of urgent referrals are being dealt with.

Andy Glyde, Cancer Research UK in Wales' public affairs manager, said: "Wales is lagging behind England when it comes to setting up Covid-19 free hubs to treat cancer patients in Wales. The response to treating cancer patients in Wales in a safe environment has been slower than I would like."

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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