Two oncologists appointed to Algeciras Hospital, can also cover La Línea

ALGECIRAS/LA LÍNEA (Agencies) The recent appointment of two cancer specialists to the Punta de Europa Hospital in Algeciras means that their service can be extended to cancer patients in La Línea, which remained without such cover since the departure of the latest incumbent. The provincial delegate for Health and the Campo de Gibraltar Health Authority said that the original oncologist in Algeciras has returned from paternity leave and a final year resident from the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Sevilla, who intends to finish his residency in Algeciras and remain in the area, are now at work. The authorities said that a restructuring of the oncology service had been established in agreement with the staffing and nursing resources available. This would initially affect check-ups principally and also referrals to these specialists.>Until recently check-ups were being carried by a specialist from the Puerta del Mar Hospital in Cádiz, who travelled to Algeciras for the purpose but which was highly inconvenient to La Línea patients without private transport. "From now on, there will be two surgery visits by an oncologist per week -possibly three if there was a demand. One of them will continue to be offered by the Cádiz doctor while the other -and an additional one if necessary- by an Algeciras specialist travelling to La Línea," said a health service spokesperson.

In addition the Oncology Department at Algeciras will continue to be responsible for hospitalization and day unit treatment. "This decision depends on clinical criteria and comes from the specialists themselves, who believe it is much better to group patients together under the same team and in the same place. Nevertheless," said the same spokesperson, "this is only a temporary arrangement as the aim is to contract two oncologists for La Línea as well, so that those patients can be treated nearer home at all times."

The SAS is "doing everything possible" to find two cancer specialists to work at La Línea, offering "stable, long-term contracts."