a family member has been told for weeks that hospital would drain fluid as newly diagnosed with cancer of bowel and liver.

hello,

I am very confused why it has taken so long for drain to happen. as our poor family member has been waiting to here back if a specialist hospital would be able totake his case on to help treat. which we were told yesterday  yes the would. now we are told patient isn't strong enough for procedure they would carry out and the general  hospital  he is in at mo have now decided  to drain after weeks of deliberating. 

 can you help me understand  why as I'm.very confused  and upset as we could loose our family  member  

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I can appreciate your frustration at this time.

    Unfortunately, we can't really comment in depth, not being directly clinically involved. It sounds like there has been some communication going on between hospitals regarding his case. Procedures that take place within radiology departments do need to be booked in advance, and there may have been a backlog of cases and/or staff shortages, but I don't know. His current hospital specialist should be able to explain things more, they can be contacted via their NHS secretary. They may have a hospital clinical nurse specialist (CNS) as well, which is worth asking about.

    The other suggestion is to contact the hospital PALS Officer (patient advice liason service) via the PALS service. They are there to look into patients concerns and find out more about their current situation. 

    I hope this has been of some help, and hope that your family member has this done soon, 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda