Hastings cancer patients having to travel to Eastbourne for treatment

The Judy Beard Day Unit at the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards is currently unavailable as it is having to be used for other patients.

One woman, who contacted us, said: “To cope with bed problems on Friday afternoon (September 23) the ward at the Conquest which administers chemotherapy was closed and moved to Eastbourne DGH to its chemo unit.

“Cancer patients were informed by telephone that they had to travel, adding more stress at a stressful time.

“It is supposed to be a temporary measure but as this is only the start of the busy season how long is temporary before it becomes the norm?”

A spokesman for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) said: “On a temporary basis the Judy Beard Day Unit was being used over the weekend to accommodate patients requiring an overnight stay in hospital and there are currently some inpatients still on the unit.

“This has meant, from today (Monday, September 26), day patients normally seen on the unit are being treated in other parts of the hospital or in some cases at our other specialist cancer unit at Eastbourne DGH.

“We anticipate the day unit will resume normal activity in the next day so.”

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