Plea for Sunderland cancer patients to get treatment, despite covid pandemic

Don’t let covid get in the way of cancer treatment, health chiefs have warned.
Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll RoadSunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road
Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road

Since the start of the pandemic, NHS bosses have urged families to remain vigilant for signs of issues and diseases not related to coronavirus.

And with the UK settling into its second national lockdown, Wearside’s care leaders have repeated the call and insisted services are still functioning.

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“Cancer performance remains challenging, however we have very good performance compared to the rest of the North East,” said David Chandler, deputy chief officer and chief financial officer at Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

“Our two-week wait for cancer referrals is the best in the North East, as of October, with almost nine in 10 patients seen within two weeks.

“That’s quite good performance compared to national peers.

“I would encourage anyone who is worried about cancer to get in touch with a relevant health professional and get treatment – don’t let covid get in the way of that.”

Chandler was speaking at a meeting of Sunderland City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.

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