'Scandalous' specialist shortage delays cancer treatment for dozens of NHS Highland patients - John O'Groat Journal

‘Scandalous’ specialist shortage delays cancer treatment for dozens of NHS Highland patients – John O’Groat Journal

A “scandalous” oncologist shortage at NHS Highland has been slammed after it emerged patients’ cancer treatment was being delayed by the issue.

Scottish Labour has hit out at NHS Highland after dozens of patients had seen their cancer treatment “plunged into chaos”.

At First Ministers Questions last week, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar raised the case of Malcolm Graham, a 76-year-old in Lewis who was told his cancer treatment couldn’t begin due to the shortage.

NHS Highland has since revealed that 78 patients are now without a consultant oncologist and can expect “delay and disruption” to their treatment due to this acute workforce crisis.

Chemotherapy has been suspended for anyone not under the clinical supervision of a colorectal oncology consultant, and 13 patients currently waiting for chemotherapy will not be able to start treatment.

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