Concerns grow over future of cancer unit

PATIENTS have expressed fears over moves that could see the closure of a dedicated unit caring for women with breast cancer.

The unit at Leeds General Infirmary opened 1995, with a £1m upgrade only two years ago, but officials are considering incorporating it into a ward at St James’s Hospital as part of plans to make £60m in savings at the city’s hospitals in 2011-12.

Margaret Stead, retired assistant director of nursing, campaigned for better care after an “awful experience” following breast cancer surgery in 1994 on a general mixed-sex ward. She claimed a move to St James’s would be “very detrimental” for patients.

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She said: “Women having breast surgery need so desperately to have specialist nursing and support throughout this traumatic time. It’s a wonderful unit and for it to disappear would be just dreadful.”

Ex-patient Johann Longley said she feared a move would “dilute” care provided.

Patients are nursed in a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere with the best care and are given one-to-one counselling before and after surgery, which helps in preventing post-operative complications. The ward is much needed, much loved, and needs no change,” she said.

A Leeds hospitals spokesman said it was looking at ways to use hospital buildings more efficiently and cost effectively.

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The breast unit “offers an excellent clinical environment and is popular with patients” but only used 15 beds on average, half the number for a ward to be “as safe and efficient as possible”.

“We have been looking at the possibility of moving the facility elsewhere and linking it in with another service for women to create a larger ward. We are very clear that any proposal would need to retain the high quality environment and the privacy and dignity our breast care patients value very highly.”

If plans were put forward, patients would have the chance to give their views.