Delays at Lincolnshire hospitals leaving some patients fearing for health

A critical incident was declared over the weekend, as sites have been struggling with staffing

Author: Julie CastonPublished 6th Jan 2022
Last updated 6th Jan 2022

We're hearing some patients are fearing for their health as their appointments are delayed at Lincolnshire's hospitals.

A critical incident was declared over the weekend, as sites have been struggling with staffing for months.

Louise from Market Rasen had breast cancer.

She was put onto a 2-week-fast track after finding a new lump but she's now being told the she might have to wait a month to be seen.

Louise said:

"I've just buried my Aunt who died of exactly the same thing before Christmas. It runs in the family and she's done exactly the same as me. Had it removed and it came back. I'm not saying I have got it again but unless someone looks at my lump I don't know

There's four of us in my family that have had it (breast cancer) so far and one of us has died. My life doesn't seem urgent enough. I feel really down, I feel really let down as well. What if it does go on longer and then what then if they've left it too late. What happens then? I won't be the only person out there who's sitting there worrying themselves to death, it's horrible".

The Trust in charge of Lincolnshire's hospitals (ULHT) said it can't comment on individual cases. But that it is taking additional steps to keep running, that staff are working exceptionally hard - and that essential services remain fully open.

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