Campaign Launched for Dedicated Cancer Patient Waiting Areas in Welsh Hospitals
A mother from Prestatyn has launched a heartfelt campaign for dedicated waiting areas for cancer patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, arguing that current provisions pose a grave risk to vulnerable individuals.
The Risk to Vulnerable Patients
Delia Lodge’s daughter, Rebecca Quayle, 41, is undergoing chemotherapy for terminal cancer. Delia expressed profound concern that exposure to common illnesses in crowded Accident and Emergency departments, where cancer patients must wait during evenings and weekends, could prove fatal for her immunocompromised daughter. “Even a common cold could kill Rebecca,” Delia stated, describing the experience of waiting in a room with coughing individuals as feeling like a “death sentence.”
Cancer Research Wales supports the call for separate waiting areas, emphasising that infection in cancer patients could lead to crucial treatment delays. Dr Lee Campbell, Head of Research, highlighted that while strict infection control measures exist, consistent provision of separate waiting areas for cancer patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems, is not widespread.
Health Board Response and Campaign Progress
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, responsible for health services in North Wales, acknowledged the concerns. Chris Lynes, Deputy Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, stated that teams are actively working to address the issue, but noted the difficulty in finding appropriate, monitorable space within or near emergency departments for separate waiting areas. He reassured patients that teams are committed to providing safe care and exploring improvements, though currently unable to implement a separate designated area.
Delia’s campaign has garnered significant public support, with over 2,500 signatures on a petition. She hopes to persuade hospital officials to convert one of Glan Clwyd’s existing treatment rooms into a safe waiting space for cancer patients. Despite her grave concerns, Delia praised the “marvellous, superb, and professional” staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, but firmly believes that current measures are insufficient to protect the most vulnerable patients.
