Cancer treatment delayed as patient priority lists drawn up

Delays have begun to cancer treatments, as patients are reprioritised ahead of capacity becoming overwhelmed by the coronavirus crisis.

In three separate developments:

• A London trust announced it was cancelling chemotherapy and routine cancer operations for a fortnight due to coronavirus pressure;
• An NHS England covid-19 guidance document indicated palliative care cancer patients will be less likely to receive appropriate treatment; and
• Cancer waiting times guidance has been changed to provide for some urgent referrals for suspected cancer to be sent back to GPs without diagnosis.

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Source: HSJ, 23 March 2020