Question reference: S5W-28080
- Asked by: Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 25 March 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Jeane Freeman on 26 March 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has issued to NHS boards regarding the management of cancer treatments throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer
The impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients has been a priority in all of our planning, and we must ensure that all appropriate measures are undertaken in the present situation to protect those living with cancer.
We have been clear that vital cancer services will remain in line with clinical priority. However, we recognise that for some cancer patients treatment and management plans may have to change over the coming weeks and months due to the new risks associated with Covid-19. This must be clearly communicated with each patient and should never comprise patient care and outcomes.
An information leaflet for cancer patients was disseminated through the NHS on 20 March 2020 and an updated version is currently being produced for dissemination this week which reflects new public advice around COVID19.
Yesterday (25 March 2020 ) I wrote to NHS Chief Executives to share the nationally agreed clinical guidance for the management of cancer treatments during Covid-19.
This guidance has been agreed through the National Covid-19 Cancer Treatment Response group. This guidance will remain under review as the situation changes over the coming weeks and this group will meet again tomorrow (27 March 2020).