My father in law has skin cancer and following surgery he was referred for radiotherapy on 8 October, 2024, 103 days. This was following surgery which attempted to remove skin cancer on his ear which we were told was not successful, with two areas of cancerous cells remaining. This surgery was arranged by the NHS and carried out at a private clinic.

In January, we had still not heard when his radiotherapy treatment would begin and so he and I made many telephone calls to figure out what was happening. To our dismay the radiotherapy booking team informed him that he was removed from the radiotherapy waitlist. Today (17 Jan) a non-clinical member of staff told me that an MDT discussing his case had taken place on 18 October 2024 (92 days ago). He has not been formally informed that he was removed from the WL, not has a clinical member of staff - either the MDT co-ordinator, CNS team, cancer care team, or consultant, told him the MDT took place, talked him through the recommendations, or involved him in decision-making around his treatment and care plan. Indeed, we are completely in the dark as to whether he even has a care plan or a care team.

A non-clinical member of staff is trying her best to help us, but the MDT co-ordinator told her this sits with the consultant, whom we haven't heard from. I am very concerned that he has fallen through the gaps, and had now lost his place on the waitlist.

Can you please advise what our options are for navigating the system? I would also be interested to know if he has the option, should he wish, to transfer his care to another location (Leeds? Sheffield?) if that may mean he may being treated sooner. 

Many thanks for any advice.