RCDS patients and their families meeting with the then Cabinet Secretary for Health
The recent experience of Fife resident, Mrs Christina O’Reilly, highlights how the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS) pathway is working positively for patients throughout the Kingdom. Within less than a week of being referred to the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service, Mrs O’Reilly had undergone fast-track blood tests and a biopsy and received the results, which in this instance confirmed a cancer diagnosis. Within a further two weeks, Mrs O’Reilly was admitted to Victoria Hospital for surgery to be followed by a treatment plan. At a time of understandable concern, Mrs O’Reilly had nothing but praise for her Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service experience. "The doctors and nurses were very attentive. They sat and listened, then explained everything."
The doctors and nurses were very attentive. They sat and listened, then explained everything.
It was absolutely marvellous that within four weeks I had been referred, diagnosed and had initial treatment.
Mrs O’Reilly, her family and her friends are all amazed with the service she received, not least during the pandemic and she wants more people to be aware that this level of care exists. She feels in safe hands.
It’s always important to contact your GP straight away with any concerns such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue and loss of blood. Many patients referred to the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service find their symptoms are not related to cancer and are then referred on to alternative diagnostic and treatment pathways, putting their mind at rest within a short timescale and helping them on the road to better health.
If you would like to offer feedback or share your experience of the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service your can do via our patient relations feedback page or you can use the independent feedback platform Care Opinion to share your story.
