Dr Alison Birtle 2024-02-14 Person 5 5 0

My Mum received poor care and even worse communication following the discovery of a Squamous Cell Carcinoma last year. She was not given the opportunity to see an Oncologist but was telephoned to be told that there had been a Multidisciplinary meeting and the decision at that meeting on discussing her case was that no surgery, chemo or radiotherapy would be offered as the tumour was a rare one that would not respond to Radiotherapy and that due to other existing health issues surgery and chemotherapy were not an option. They said they would make a palliative care referral. We were absolutely devastated. I made a formal complaint and the result, which took time we could ill afford, concluded that we could have a referral for a second opinion. This took from June 2023 to February 2024. We saw Professor Alison Birtle yesterday and although agreeing with the last Consultant that Surgery and Chemotherapy were not appropriate for Mum, she disagreed with regards to the refusal of radiotherapy as she explained that it may not be as responsive as with a regular bladder tumour but it certainly does respond. She explained everything clearly and did not give us any false hope. Initial tests were done and first radiotherapy session provisionally booked. I can honestly say that Professor Birtle has done More in the last 3 weeks than the previous team did in 8 months. Due to the time lag, sadly the tumour and lymph node have grown but at least there is a plan of care and we have been given some hope. I would highly recommend Professor Birtle, her PA Joanna and all of the team at Rosemere Cancer Centre who do amazing work in an extremely busy unit delivering bespoke care for their patients. Well done to all and thank you so much.