We urge HSC to level up ED charges

The Guernsey Cancer Alliance (GCA) would have welcomed consultation and discussion before the original decision was made. Unfortunately we weren’t given that opportunity and have as yet not been approached by HSC to discuss a reasonable solution for all those who have chronic or life limiting conditions.

As chair of the GCA and Heal I would like to make the following statement.

‘The petition asking HSC to reverse it’s decision to charge cancer patients a treatment fee to attend A&E after hours while undergoing chemotherapy is rapidly approaching 5000 signatures. The response by Deputy Brouard for the CfHSC, communicated via the media, is as disappointing to cancer patients as it will be to the public who have signed the petition.

‘The public in their thousands has told HSC that their decision was wrong. The response has been overwhelming and unprecedented. The public could not have been clearer: as a basic minimum, the expectation is that cancer patients should have 24 hour care, which includes the ED, should any complications arise from ongoing treatment out of hours.

‘Heal and the Guernsey Cancer Alliance absolutely agree with thousands of islanders in expecting HSC to admit that they have made a mistake and reverse their decision. We urge HSC to level up ED charges not level down.

‘We would like to pass our heartfelt thanks to all those who have signed and continue to show their support by signing the petition, bravely begun by Nikita Le Prevost who lost her mum to cancer.’

Mike Read

Chairman GCA

Chairman Heal