Therapy cuts take financial toll on chronic swelling sufferer

Friday 18 September 2020

A man with throat cancer, who is unable to work, has said Jersey Hospice's decision to cut its free chronic swelling therapy service has left him struggling financially, with sessions now costing £60.

Tammy and Kevin Channing are calling on the Government to step in to help those in need.

Kevin had been undergoing multiple operations for throat cancer when his case of lymphoedema happened.

The condition, which can arise when the body's lymphatic system is damaged during cancer treatment, involves parts of the body swelling up.

Though Kevin has had his vocal cords removed, which has made speaking difficult for him, his wife Tammy spoke for him, telling Express how “just before lockdown he had an operation on one side of his neck, and his face swelled up.”

Initially, they wanted to get the lymphoedema nurse out, but were told they were not allowed because of covid, despite the fact they said “we could prove we’d been tested.” 

When they finally did get the free treatment, they described it as “really great”, and said it had “worked wonders.” However, these “three sessions a week” were suddenly cut short when they were informed Hospice was stopping the service. 

Pictured: Kevin Channing's treatment for lymphoedema was cut short when Hospice stopped treatment. 

“Basically, they’ve stopped the treatment at Hospice and now we’ve got to pay because they’re blaming covid."

Now, they have to pay for the treatment, which has taken its financial toll.

Tammy said “Kevin can’t work because of the cancer so we’re only getting the sick money”, explaining that the £60-a-session fees are “not much more than what he’s making from Social.” 

“He thinks the treatment should come free” from the government. Tammy reiterated that the pair feel, without it, “he’s going to deteriorate and be back to square one.” 

They added that their concern stretches to others who will be facing similar issues, saying that “there will be a lot of people who won’t be able to afford it,” in addition to the nurses who will be “inundated” with people. 

The comments come after the ex-treasurer of Lymphoedema Jersey also complained about Hospice cutting the service, saying he thought covid was being used as an “excuse.”

In the absence of Hospice's treatment, the only charity left for sufferers will be Lymphoedema Jersey, which has initially been for non-cancer sufferers of the condition. They have stated that they will be taking in some cancer patients in the coming months, but noted that this could cause them to "struggle."

When contacted for comment, Jersey Hospice reiterated its previous statement that "due to Government restrictions in place as a result of covid-19, we are not currently in a position to offer this service to patients", but urged people to come and talk to them directly if they have any problems.

Express has contacted the Government for comment.