Family’s anger as vital surgery cancelled again

Nov 1 2007 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

THE family of cancer-patient Malcolm Lacey fear his life is now at risk after vital surgery was cancelled for the fourth time.

Mr Lacey is suffering from liver cancer and his distraught family say the tumour is growing at such a rate that it could soon become inoperable.

A bed crisis at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, is being blamed for the repeated cancellations

On two occasions, 69-year-old Mr Lacey was on a ward waiting to go to the operating theatre when his family were told to take him home.

“We are living through a nightmare,” said Mr Lacey’s daughter-in-law Marina.

“The delays are putting Malcolm’s life at risk as time is of the essence in treating his condition.

“In a very short time the tumour has grown from the size of a 2p piece to a golf ball,” said Marina

“The repeated cancellations are causing terrible stress for the whole family.

“It is inhumane that a sick man should have to suffer like this.”

Mrs Lacey has now contacted Adam Peat, the Public Services Ombusman for Wales and lodged an official complaint.

The father-of-two and his wife Bess live at Bryn Hir, Cwmbach.

He became ill in June and a scan revealed that Mr Lacey was suffering from a cancerous growth on his liver.

The operation was first scheduled for October 3, then October 10, October 17 and October 24, but cancelled each time.

Cynon Valley MP Ann Clwyd has described Mr Lacey’s operation ordeal as “totally unacceptable”.

Marina said: “The operation is scheduled again for this week and we could be faced with the same cancellation situation.”