Cancer Patient Fears A&E Wait is a 'Death Sentence'

Delia Lodge fears her daughter Rebecca Quayle, who has terminal cancer, could succumb to a simple infection contracted while waiting in the A&E department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Lodge described the waiting area as crowded, with individuals coughing and some testing positive for Covid-19, making it feel like a "death sentence" for her daughter, whose immune system is severely compromised.

Lodge is advocating for the creation of separate waiting areas within the hospital, with one designated exclusively for cancer patients. This initiative is particularly crucial as the hospital's cancer unit closes during evenings and weekends, forcing cancer patients to use the A&E department when they feel unwell. Her campaign has garnered over 2,500 signatures of support.

A spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwaladr health board acknowledged the serious concerns raised about immunocompromised patients in emergency departments. However, they noted the difficulty in finding appropriate spaces for a separate waiting area that would still allow for close patient monitoring. While a dedicated area isn't currently feasible, the board assures that efforts are underway to improve safety and the overall patient experience.

Cancer Research Wales supports the establishment of separate waiting areas, emphasizing that delays in treatment could occur if cancer patients fall ill. They also noted that while strict infection control measures are in place across Wales, dedicated waiting areas for immunocompromised cancer patients are not consistently available.