Cancer Care Relocation Risking My Health, Patient Warns

A cancer patient from southeast London has voiced concerns over plans to relocate his treatment, warning about the potential risks to his health. Matthew Venner, a 42-year-old resident of Chislehurst, is battling stage four Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He currently receives care at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in Orpington.

Cancer Care Relocation Concerns

The National Health Service (NHS) trust intends to transfer cancer services to King’s College Hospital in Camberwell, approximately 40 minutes away. Venner feels that this journey could jeopardize his health, especially as it distances him from his children, who visit him daily during his recovery.

Patient Frustration

Venner expressed his disappointment, stating, “I feel let down. I feel disappointed.” He emphasized the high quality of care he has received at PRUH, including state-of-the-art treatments and excellent nursing staff. However, he is concerned that the proposed relocation would worsen his situation.

Logistical Challenges

Venner raised significant concerns about the practicality of traveling to King’s College. He stated, “They haven’t taken into consideration the discomfort of that journey.” He highlighted the potential financial burden and risks associated with traveling in an immune-compromised state.

Impact on Family

During his current treatment, Venner’s children can spend time with him every day. However, a move to King’s College Hospital would make daily visits impossible. He remarked, “If they get told that they can’t see daddy until the weekend, that is really hard.”

Future Health Care Risks

Venner expressed fears about his long-term health care. He stated that if his condition worsens, the relocation could mean that he will require end-of-life care far from his family and familiar surroundings.

Hospital Trust’s Response

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust mentioned that the aim of the proposed move is to enhance care for patients needing hematology inpatient services. They noted that some patients from the Bromley area are already referred to King’s College for highly specialized treatment.

Community Support

A petition opposing the move has gained traction, garnering nearly 25,000 signatures. The initiative reflects community support for maintaining specialized inpatient hematology cancer care at PRUH.

The ongoing dialogue highlights the complexities of healthcare planning and the need to consider patient perspectives in proposed changes.