A cold could kill my daughter - hospital visits feel like a death sentence

Something as simple as a cold could kill Rebecca Quayle, who has terminal cancer, her mum believes.

This is why it fills Delia Lodge with dread every time they have to sit in the same area as A&E patients while waiting for treatment at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire.

She described a crowded room, with people coughing, or receiving positive Covid tests, saying it feels like a "death sentence" for her daughter.

Delia is now calling for separate waiting areas to be created in the north Wales hospital, with one specifically for cancer patients.

A spokesperson for the Betsi Cadwaladr health board said officials "fully recognise the concerns raised" and are actively working to address these.

Charity Cancer Research Wales said it is important separate waiting areas are made available, because if patients get ill, vital treatment could be delayed.

"Rebecca often feels stressed and anxious about picking up germs when she has to sit and wait in the A&E department," said Delia, 69, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire.

"Even a common cold could kill Rebecca."

During evenings and weekends, the cancer unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is closed.

This means cancer patients have to go through the A&E department when they feel unwell.

After becoming concerned about the potential impact of this, Delia started campaigning for a safe place for cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems to wait before receiving treatment.

By speaking to people at the hospital and gathering support online, she now has 2,500 signatures of people who are supportive.

Despite her concerns for her daughter's safety, she added that she "cannot fault the NHS" and the "marvellous, superb, and professional" staff who work at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

But she added: "These patients can die if they come into contact with people within the A&E."

Rebecca was diagnosed with primary breast cancer four years ago.

After believing she was in the clear, the 41-year-old mother-of-three was told her cancer had spread and become terminal.

She is now undergoing chemotherapy at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

However, the layout of the hospital means what is already a stressful situation has made her even more anxious.

Delia hopes if she gets enough signatures, she can convince officials to turn one of Glan Clwyd's 24 treatment rooms into a cancer patient-only waiting area.

She believes this is a "simple issue" to fix and is determined "to keep pushing" for the change she wants to see for her daughter.

"The current measures aren't enough," Delia said.

"Every patient, especially those with cancer, should feel safe when they come to the hospital."

Gemma Bailey, 38, from Manchester, is a close friend of Delia and a survivor of cancer herself.

She says it is imperative to provide dedicated waiting rooms for cancer patients.

"Sitting in a crowded, general waiting area adds another layer of anxiety," Gemma added.

"Every cough, every sneeze becomes a potential danger."

"We fully recognise the concerns raised about immuno-compromised patients spending time within emergency departments, and this is something our cancer and emergency care teams are actively working together to address," said the health board's Chris Lynes.

The deputy executive director of nursing and midwifery said despite best efforts, there is often no appropriate space within or close to emergency departments that could safely be used as a separate waiting area while still allowing staff to closely monitor patients who may become unwell.

He added: "While we are not currently able to implement the suggestion of a separate designated area, we want to reassure patients and families that our teams are fully aware of these concerns and remain committed to providing safe, compassionate care while continuing to explore ways to improve the experience for all patients."

Cancer Research Wales is in favour of separate waiting areas in hospitals, saying those with cancer or compromised immune systems are already likely to be anxious as they await treatment.

Head of research Dr Lee Campbell added: "It's important to note as well that if cancer patients or people who have a compromised immune system get ill, it could also run the risk of them having their treatments delayed.

"While strict infection control measures are in place in all hospitals in Wales, we are not aware of separate waiting areas being consistently made available for cancer patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems."