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Coronavirus: Western Trust postpones urgent cancer surgeries

PA Nurses and other hospital staff are walking around a hospital ward.PA
Northern Ireland's other health trusts have cancelled or postponed cancer operations due to pressures created by the pandemic

The Western Trust has apologised for the postponement of all urgent cancer surgeries due to Covid-19 pressures.

These are known as red-flag cancer cases, where an operation is expected to help a person's recovery - or even save their life.

The trust's director of acute hospitals, Geraldine McKay, said this was a "very difficult but necessary decision".

All affected patients are being contacted directly by the trust.

"The decision to postpone all red flag cancer surgery will be closely monitored and reviewed regularly," said Ms McKay.

PA Media Medical staff attending to two patients in an ambulance, at Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern IrelandPA Media
Northern Ireland's hospitals have faced intense pressure in recent weeks

This decision comes as medical staff are expected to face unprecedented pressures in what has been described as Northern Ireland's toughest week so far in the pandemic.

The peak in intensive care is predicted to happen this weekend.

Northern Ireland's other health trusts have already cancelled or postponed cancer operations due to pressures created by coronavirus.

In a tweet, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he would be meeting Western Health Trust chief executive Dr Anne Kilgallen on Thursday to discuss concerns about the cancellation of cancer surgeries.

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Ms Mckay said: "As the region continues to see a rise in the number of patients admitted to our hospitals with Covid-19, our staff will be required to support the care of the increasing number of Covid-19 patients who may require intensive care or enhanced respiratory support.

"We do not underestimate the anxiety and distress this causes the patients and families affected and we deeply regret this.

"We would like to reassure those patients that we will do everything in our power to reschedule their operation as soon as possible."

The Trust confirmed it would continue to provide emergency, trauma and some time-critical procedures.

'Devastating blow'

Gareth Kirk, chief executive of Action Cancer said it was an extremely difficult situation for the "significant number" of people awaiting red-flag cancer surgery.

"It is now well in the hundreds - if not approaching the thousands," Mr Kirk told BBC's Evening Extra programme.

"Can you imagine how much of a devastating blow it must be to be told that your cancer surgery has now been cancelled, and indeed we (the trusts) are not in a position to tell you when it may take place."

"That's horrendous."