Join the conversation about the future of Ayrshire's Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy services
The consultation period is now open and is running until Friday, May 19.
People in Ayrshire and Arran are now being invited to take part in a public consultation on proposals to retain changes made to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) is a collective term for all anti-cancer drug treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The consultation period is now open and is running until Friday, May 19.
Information setting out the proposed changes to SACT delivery is available online, as well as in local community settings, including libraries and health care sites.
People are being asked to read the information and then participate in a survey where they can give their feedback and views.
Visit www.jointheconversation-nhsaaa.co.uk for all the details, including:
- a consultation summary document setting out the changes made to local SACT delivery since 2020 and reasons
- the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) documents
- the link to the survey itself; and
- dates and venues for upcoming community meetings (both face-to-face and online options will be available to attend during the three-month period).
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Director of Acute Services, Joanne Edwards, said: “We are asking everyone living in Ayrshire and Arran to join the conversation on Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy, which includes types of treatment like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“Our consultation summary document explains that to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible, changes were made rapidly to the local SACT service during 2020 with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Part of this was to move SACT treatments out of University Hospital Ayr completely, moving day case chemotherapy to a bespoke unit separate from the acute hospital and having one inpatient cancer ward at University Hospital Crosshouse.
“Our staff and cancer patients were kept informed and involved as these changes were implemented.
“As the current delivery model has been regarded so positively, both by those in treatment as well as the teams delivering their care, there are now proposals to retain the changes.
“To get the full picture on how cancer treatments are being delivered in Ayrshire at the moment, I’d urge everyone to read the information which is being made available during our consultation.
“Anyone who has feedback or views about the changes can participate in the survey before Friday 19 May.”
During the three month consultation period there will also be the opportunity to attend meetings in the community or online.
The details for these will be shared when confirmed.
