Oncology debate

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has secured a commitment from the Scottish government to monitor levels of care for cancer patients at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

During a debate on the issue in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Scott highlighted the problems Shetland patients and their families experienced as a result of a shortage of oncology specialists in Aberdeen.

Northern isles patients have been denied the support of the CLAN Haven facilities in Aberdeen, for which the island community raised considerable sums, when sent to other Scottish cities for treatment.

During the debate, Sciott said: “Patients from Shetland and Orkney need cancer care of the highest quality in the closest hospital to the islands.

“Reducing the enormous stress and worry of this killer disease, one that is responsible for one third of male and female Shetland deaths is a challenge for the NHS.

“That challenge is best met in Aberdeen, not by referring people across Scotland, but by providing treatment in as local a health setting as possible where the support of family and loved ones is easier to arrange and maintain throughout treatment.”

During the debate public health minister Michael Matheson agreed to “monitor the progress that is being made in the north of Scotland”.

He also said he would ensure that the north has “sustainable services in the medium and long term for all patients who require them”.