Hi 

I'm having radiotherapy and chemotherapy at my local hospital but the 2 surgeries I had for vulva cancer were carried out at a hospital in a different city. 

It seems really unfair that they are making your father travel this far! And his GP saying that he is being stubborn is awful! When I have chemo and radiotherapy it is an all day job.....and I only live 15 mins away from my hospital. 

Can he speak to his consultant about the situation? I hope your father gets the help he needs.

Xx

Hello and thanks for posting,

You explained about your dad's current situation. I hope that he is recovering well from his surgery. 

Follow on treatment after initial surgery is generally done at the same hospital, as the original specialist can oversee the ongoing treatment, and if there are any issues/side effects that may arise during treatment. They are also involved in the planning of further treatments, such as radiotherapy for example, which is sometimes given after initial surgery. Some hospitals offer patients accommodation when treatment is needed, and they have to travel some distances. 

I am not sure about the other hospitals you mentioned, as not every hospital can offer radiotherapy or specialist cancer treatments, but I think that the Royal Derby Hospital does have radiotherapy services. 

It wouldn't be straightforward transferring ongoing care and medical records to another hospital, but it may be possible to do so, but I can't say for sure. Your dad needs to make contact with the hospital specialist directly via the specialist's NHS secretary (via hospital switchboard), and ask about this option. The hospital PALS (patient advice and liason service) officer may also be able to explore this as well. They can be contacted via hospital switchboard or the hospital website as well.

More information about PALS here,

www.nhs.uk/.../

I am sorry that we cannot help more specifically, but wish your dad the very best,

Kind regards,

Vanda