Partner of ill nurse in plea for easing of visiting rules
THE partner of a Belfast cancer patient has called on the Health Minister to change “heartbreaking” rules preventing her from accompanying her to appointments.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, she questioned why the infection control rule was still necessary when many other lockdown measures have been relaxed.
Her partner, who wishes to remain anonymous, works as a nurse and was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in April.
Despite living together, the cancer patient attended a CT scan alone at the Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast on Monday, which will determine if her condition is terminal.
Her partner commented: “She’s a much stronger person than me and I know I couldn’t do it by myself.
“I would be apoplectic sitting there on my own so I just think it’s very cruel when you consider these people are undergoing chemotherapy and are left on their own for hours.
“Expectant parents are now allowed to attend scans with their partners — there’s no parity there.
“I appreciate that pregnancy and childbirth are important times in your life, but this is equally important.
“I know there are infection control measures, but in reality the people that would be with them already live with them.”
She said the effects of chemotherapy also made it harder for her partner to retain information.
“Often she’ll forget details from appointments, so how can she be expected to retain reliable information about her prognosis or what medication to take?” she asked.
“It’s impossible without someone there who isn’t going through chemotherapy.
“She’s quite traumatised by any sort of hospital visit at the moment, which makes my being there even more essential.”
The couple will find out the results of a scan next week, but do not expect good news.
“We will be told if surgery is an option, which seems unlikely, and just a further prognosis, but it’s not looking very positive at the minute.”
Addressing Health Minister Robin Swann, she said: “I would ask him to review the system. It’s not working for cancer patients.
“We have seen very elderly patients with nobody with them all the time and it is heartbreaking.
“As a nurse, my partner knows what’s going on, but it’s just so ironic that the system can’t look after the people like her who have devoted 25-30 years of their life to the NHS.”
The Department of Health said it recognised the impact the guidance had on loved ones, but that it remained a key measure against the pandemic.
Updated guidance for visitors was also made available online on July 6, it added.
“The overriding principle underpinning the current guidance is for the protection of all patients, families and health care workers by reducing the transmission of Covid-19,” it said.
“These restrictions will not stay in place longer than is absolutely necessary.”
Last week Mr Swann urged the public to show patience as the health service in Northern Ireland recovers from Covid-19.
He unveiled a three-month plan to restart vital treatment for cancer patients and other services.
Meanwhile, DUP MLA Pam Cameron also called for clarity for partners attending pregnancy scans in different health trusts.
He said she was increasingly concerned about reports it had not been restored in “a consistent or fair fashion”.