Cancer treatment delayed because of refurbishment - family member view

To be clear from the outset this is not a reflection of the staff at the forefront that provide treatment to patients within Oncology department - in regards to this I have no complaints as they have always taken the utmost care of my family member whether he was attending to have scans or chemo/radiation.

Wish the same could be said of the management of the hospital who have inexplicably decided to prioritise a refurbishment over the treatment of my family member (and no doubt others) who urgently require cancer treatment. Following a delay in receiving his required treatment already due to various bureaucratic/admin errors, my relative has now been told it is unlikely he will receive the required treatment for his advanced cancer before Christmas.........if even then.

The reason? A 'planned' 12 week refurbishment of the Mount Vernon Site that is apparently already 12 weeks behind schedule. On questioning what contingency plans are in place to mitigate this for patients requiring care at the Centre the response from the Consultant was essentially a shoulder shrug. When questioned further about where he could move his treatment to avoid further delay the response was a lot of 'maybes' with no real support or assistance on what options he has.

I find it incomprehensible that the management overseeing this project have apparently just barrelled on with a refurbishment with no apparent contingency in place to accommodate displaced cancer patients. Where is the duty of care or at the very least a shred of compassion and basic regard for dignity of the affected patients??

The result of this is not only delayed treatment and the very real risk of his cancer progressing but a day spent frantically researching possible solutions whilst trying to maintain a job and keep his stress levels in check.