The 25-day breakdown of the Radiation equipment in the Oncology Clinic of Madeira has left dozens of cancer patients waiting for radiotherapy treatments, warned Patrícia Spínola, from the JPP.
In a statement, the deputy considers it inadmissible to use the technical maintenance procedures, which take time, as an excuse not to provide the necessary treatments.
Addressing the new Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Freitas, Patrícia Spínola recalls that the maximum guaranteed response times for radiotherapy treatments are 15 days, and these are not being adhered to.
Therefore, the JPP insists that SESARAM, through the oncology doctors, “immediately resolve the problem by referring, where possible, patients to mainland clinics, as it is proven that Madeira is unable to manage the situation. Furthermore, all those referred are provided with the due transport and accommodation compensations, according to what is set out in the Charter of Users’ Rights, while the radiotherapy machine undergoes maintenance work.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
