Health Minister’s response on metastatic breast cancer nurses in Wrexham

“No decision has yet been made” says the Health Minister over a possible cut to a metastatic breast cancer nurse position in Wrexham.

Carolyn Thomas MS asked the Health Minister, “What discussions has the Minister had with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board regarding the number of metastatic breast cancer nurses in North Wales? ”

The Minister said, “Before I answer your question, I would like to pay tribute once again to the incredible campaigner Tassia Haines, who sadly passed away last week. I know the Dirprwy Lywydd gave a very warm tribute to her last week. She was a campaigner like no other I’ve ever met—her power of persuasion, her energy, her determination to make a difference when she knew the difficult life that she was facing, but she was absolutely determined to make a difference to other women who were suffering like her. And it really is an incredible legacy that she leaves behind, and I’d like to pay tribute to her and send my warmest wishes to her family.

“I understand very clearly the issues associated with metastatic breast cancer; I’ve talked about my own personal family experience with metastatic breast cancer. I discussed the issue with the chair of the health board during his last review. I know it has been a top priority for NHS planning and we are investing millions of pounds in cancer services. I know, in relation to the situation in Betsi, that the board is looking—. I think they had three metastatic cancer nurses in place; my understanding is that one of those has gone and they are having a review at the moment of the situation in relation to that.”

Echoing the sympathies to Tassia Haines’s family, Carolyn Thomas MS said, “I’ve been contacted by a group of patients treated at Wrexham Maelor. As you said, they are concerned about the provision of nurses at the hospital, and the health board has indicated that a metastatic breast cancer nurse position has been vacant since last summer and the role is now under review due to financial constraints.

“So, how does the Minister work with health boards to ensure equity of service provision such as specialist cancer nurses within health boards right across Wales?”

The Minister replied, “Thanks very much, Carolyn, and thanks for everything you do on behalf of your constituents in North Wales. As you say, Betsi Cadwaladr health board currently has three specialist nurse positions that support patients with metastatic breast or colorectal cancer.

“One of those three positions is currently vacant. And although the health board is giving careful consideration to its future, no decision has yet been made.”