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FILLERS: Hamish Cole Driven to distraction BMJ 2003; 327: 1203 [Full text]

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An example of knowedge lost?

Stephan N Larsson   (23 November 2003)

An example of knowedge lost? 23 November 2003
Stephan N Larsson, Radiation Oncologist Vancouver Island Cancer Centre Send response to journal: Re: An example of knowedge lost?	When I was training in oncology at the Christie Hospital in the 80s, the Christie was responsible for the oncological care of a large geographical area, which included Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales and the Lake District. Patients from outlying areas were admitted to the hospital during the week and went home at weekends, even if they would under other circumstances have been treated as outpatients. I expect the modern trend towards bed closures, short hospital stays and cost-savings has made this solution more difficult. Here in Victoria, BC, we look after the population of a geographically large island, and daily travel is simply not possible for many patients. Our local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society runs a "Lodge" across the road from the cancer clinic, where, for a very modest and subsidised cost, patients who are well can stay during the week, and partners can stay with them. The "Cancer Bus" takes them back up the Island on Friday, and brings people down to Victoria on Mondays, stopping at the major communities en route. In addition, we have a volunteer driver system which will transport patients to the clinic from the more far flung parts of Greater Victoria on a daily basis for no free. There are cost-effective solutions to the problems Dr Cole describes. Competing interests: None declared