SNP Health Secretary Humza Yousaf is under pressure to withdraw a “botched” review into breast cancer treatment in Tayside after claims it created a “toxic” environment.
Dundee-based MSP Michael Marra said a controversial report by Healthcare Improvement Scotland has done “so much damage” in the region and contributed to a collapse of local services.
Around 200 women were given lower doses of chemotherapy drugs by doctors in Tayside in a bid to reduce harmful side effects.
Government reports claimed the decision made it more likely their cancer would return.
‘Deeply flawed’
A series of investigations by The Courier uncovered a number of issues with the report as well as a subsequent risk assessment ordered by the government.
The scandal led to an exodus of staff.
If you want to find out why NHS Tayside has no breast cancer oncologists, why patients have to travel 100’s of miles for treatment, and how to fix it: please watch this video.
Today I am calling for the Government to withdraw the flawed HIS report and fix its toxic legacy. pic.twitter.com/i5Cq2cvFHV
— Michael Marra MSP (@michaeljmarra) November 1, 2022
It’s thought the reputational damage made it difficult for NHS Tayside to recruit new consultants.
This has been made worse by a national shortage of breast cancer specialists.
Mr Marra published a video on Tuesday calling for Mr Yousaf to ensure the public organisation withdraws the report.
Speaking to The Courier, he said: “For 18 months now, the health secretary’s failed response has been to run endless job adverts to try and recruit the breast cancer specialists we need.
“It is now obvious to everyone but him that the strategy has failed and will continue to fail until he addresses the root causes of this crisis.
“The 2019 report was supposed to provide clear answers to the questions surrounding the treatment provided by NHS Tayside.
“It should have been an opportunity to reassure patients, address any underlying concerns and build a stronger, more resilient service.
“Instead, the botched report has undermined patient confidence, worsened a toxic management culture and driven doctors and consultants out of the door leading directly to the collapse of the service.”
‘Deeply flawed’
There have been multiple calls for an independent inquiry, most recently from the co-conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party cancer group.
We revealed in December how freshly uncovered correspondence showed health chiefs and government officials were given multiple direct warnings.
They were told reviews into the scandal were “deeply flawed” and would lead to the breast oncology service collapsing.
NHS Tayside also finds itself at the centre of cover-up claims.
Mr Marra said: “HIS must now withdraw this report and the health secretary must intervene to make it happen if necessary.
“This offers the fresh start we need.
“We will never rebuild a service that the women of Tayside can rely on without that fresh start.”
NHS Tayside has Yousaf’s ‘full support’
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said he is “fully supportive” of a locally delivered breast cancer service and is “working closely with NHS Tayside to achieve this”.
“I would like to reassure cancer patients in Tayside that the vast majority of care and treatment is delivered locally,” he said.
“Of around 150 new patients referred to breast services each week, around seven will receive treatment in another centre, though of course I do not want this situation to last any longer than necessary.
“Tayside Cancer Centre has a committed and caring clinical team focused on delivering their rebuild plan for the centre.
“They have my full support and I will be meeting with them again shortly.”
