A CANCER patient receiving treatment at the Royal United Hospital has called on others to make sure they keep their appointments, calling the RUH ‘clean, well-organised and safe to return to’.

The reassurance comes amid national reports that people have delayed getting checked for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dave Hayward, from Bath, receives regular immunotherapy treatment for melanoma, visiting the RUH every few weeks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Dave received treatment, along with all of the RUH’s cancer patients, from RUH staff temporarily based at the Circle Bath hospital.

Cancer outpatients are now returning to the RUH and Dave said it’s important they visit for treatment and appointments.

“I had to visit the RUH a couple of times during the height of the pandemic, once to visit the cancer unit and once for a procedure in dermatology,” said Dave.

“I was nervous about visiting, but as soon as I arrived I felt reassured and put at ease.

“There are hand sanitisers and masks for patients when you arrive and there are lots of reminders about the importance of social distancing.

“When I arrived at the Oncology department I had my temperature taken and was asked to sanitise my hands. The department was very clean and the waiting area had been adapted to allow for social distancing, with much bigger spaces between chairs.

“All of the staff wore PPE, which I found very reassuring, and they were very friendly and

supportive.

“My message to cancer patients who may be wary of visiting the hospital is: don’t worry.

The hospital is clean and well organised.

“It’s so important that you keep getting your treatment and attend appointments – don’t put it off.”

Dave added that he had received excellent care from the RUH.

“All the staff, especially the Macmillan team, have been fantastic,” he said. “They are so supportive and you get to know them so well, they become like friends.”