Region Zealand has had to refer breast cancer patients to the Capital Region due to challenges such as vacation, illness, and recruitment. The region has long struggled to maintain sufficient surgical capacity for breast cancer treatment, resulting in patients being sent to the neighboring region, writes Berlingske.
According to a note from the Capital Region, which Berlingske has gained insight into, the problems in Region Zealand are due to prolonged illness among breast cancer surgeons, recruitment difficulties, and vacation scheduling. From mid-May to the end of June, 35 patients have been offered treatment outside the region to meet the maximum waiting times. Five of these patients have accepted the offer to have surgery in the Capital Region.
The note warns that this situation could lead to a “peak of waiting patients” in Region Zealand, and further pressure is expected over the summer. The region fears that the maximum waiting times will be exceeded, possibly necessitating a request to the Danish Health Authority to take over treatment responsibilities.
Anne Møller Ronex (R), chairman of the hospital committee in Region Zealand, expresses hope in securing capacity through agreements with the Capital Region. Christoffer Buster Reinhardt (K) from the Capital Region, however, points out that this may prolong treatment times for their own patients. He emphasizes the importance of helping so that zip code does not determine whether one can get their breast cancer surgery in time.
Reinhardt mentions that the total number of patients in the Capital Region could increase by between 20 and 25 percent if they have to accept more patients from Region Zealand. The issue of waiting times for breast cancer patients is not new for Region Zealand. Previous reports have highlighted that a shortage of specialists has made it difficult for the region to meet the recommended waiting times.
In early 2023, DR uncovered that the maximum waiting times for cancer treatment are exceeded in all regions. According to health legislation, the maximum waiting time for a breast cancer operation in life-threatening cancer or heart diseases is 14 days.