Hi there,
I was diagnosed with stage 4 inoperable bowel cancer last April at 42. I’ve been on palliative chemo ever since and recent scans showed good news, I’m not in the clear but there’s been a big improvement.
My question is: is it routine for cancer units in hospitals to not have any doctors working on weekends? Following an unexpected skin flare-up this weekend I had to rely on the 111 service on the advice of my cancer team as they don’t have doctors available (which I’m told is standard practice in the unit). I waited 9 hours to speak to a GP over the phone. The wait for a F2F appointment couldn’t be guaranteed and I was told to expect a call for an appt very late at night and even then they couldn't ’guarantee an appt. I asked to be booked in tomorrow morning. So it’s sorted but, bl00dy hell, it’s an onerous process.
I wonder if anyone else has experienced this? I’m considering raising the lack of doctors on the ward at weekends with the hospital in question but if this is standard practice across hospitals perhaps I’ll be wasting my time. (I’m based in South Devon and treated at Torbay)
Any insights very much appreciated
Amy x
Hi Amy999 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your ongoing journey and the problems you are having.
There are obviously geographical and Health Board differences. I live in the Highlands of Scotland (Inverness) but my experience is that there is always A&E doctors over the weekends but also a few doctors covering all the hospital departments 24/7 not one specific wards…… but when I have been having in-patient treatment (Heamatology) there is always one of the Heamatology Consultant Team in at least every morning over the weekend doing ward visits…. But it’s worth asking for clarification as to how your Hearth Board is staffed.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated……
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
and
Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only (Please join the group but for everyones safety this will then have to be approved by the Macmillan Community Team so will not happen immediately)
…….support groups
These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with a group please click on the link(s) above then once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area,
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Thank you Mike, it sounds as though things are a little better organised wheee you’re being treated. I’ve emailed PALS so will see what they come back with 
