A loved one of mine is currently undergoing cancer treatment. This journey has been difficult and harrowing, not just because of the disease itself, but also due to the unacceptable conditions we've encountered at our local A&E. On two separate occasions, my loved one, debilitated and in desperate need of immediate help, was left waiting like any other patient. With practically no immune system left, the risk of further infection in such public areas is terrifying. The delay in treatment both times was considerable and could have resulted in catastrophic health consequences or even loss of life. 

Currently, cancer patients are supposed to rely on Accident and Emergency services for chemotherapy related complications. This is problematic as it results in a postcode lottery and, in many instances, including ours, patients are left unattended in busy waiting rooms and corridors. This is unacceptable and unfair to those who are already vulnerable and fighting to survive. On the second a&e trip they had neutropenic sepsis which is threat to life and needs antibiotics within the hour, when I tried to stress this to the person at the desk, I was told she wasn't medical and couldn't help and we had to wait for triage. 2 hours later when we got seen by triage, they told us we shouldn't be in a waiting room due to the chemotherapy treatment! It is by sheer luck that no serious damage has been done as a result of the sepsis and whilst the treatment was better at the second a&e it is clear nothing is joined up and cancer pathways are not understood properly. 

In England, about 363,484 new cases of cancer are reported every year (Cancer Research UK, 2018). That's nearly 400,000 people who might find themselves in the same situation that my loved one and I have been facing.

This is our plea: We need dedicated emergency services specifically for cancer patients, not only to mitigate the risk of infection from other patients, but also to ensure they receive immediate and specialised care when chemotherapy related complications arise. We need protocols and procedures that prioritise their care. These individuals are battling a life-threatening disease and the current system is only exacerbating their suffering. 

Please join our call. Support this petition for the immediate establishment of specialised emergency services for cancer patients across the health system. We believe that by doing so, we can improve not only patient survival but also quality of life. Your signature could make the difference in their fight for life.