QEH commits to provision of care for cancer patients

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital remains dedicated to the well-being of our patients, and we want to assure the public that we are taking every measure to provide the best possible healthcare. Following the departure of the former consultant for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at the QEH, a decision was made by his replacement to discontinue the use of the cobalt machine for curative treatment. This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to finding the optimal curative solutions for our patients.

As far back as 2007, the QEH explored the installation of a new Linear Accelerator under the leadership of the then Health Minister, Dr. Jerome Walcott. But there were challenges posed by the technology’s requirement for a large bunker space at the time. The present cobalt machine was installed in 2013 to meet the immediate needs of our patients. The Colbalt machine was out of service for 2 weeks after the December 2022 cyber-attack, but since it has been up and running treating persons with cancer at an advanced stage.

We (the board of management) understand the urgency of providing curative radiation therapy to our patients, especially those on the waiting list. We are actively processing all patients who require and consent to this treatment, ensuring they have the opportunity to receive the necessary care. Presently, we are eagerly anticipating the installation of a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator to further enhance our capabilities.

Additionally, we have diligently researched jurisdictions that provide such services and have initiated a program to send patients overseas for treatment. Our Medical Aid Scheme has been successfully operating for several years and possesses the capacity to efficiently process referrals from the Oncology Department.

At Queen Elizabeth Hospital, our patients’ well-being is our top priority, and we remain committed to delivering quality healthcare services. We are confident our ongoing efforts will continue to uphold our promise to provide the best care possible for all those we serve.

– Nigel Whitehall – Chairman (Ag.)