A cold could kill my daughter - hospital visits feel like a death sentence

Something as simple as a cold could kill Rebecca Quayle, who has terminal cancer, her mum believes.

Delia Lodge said she is filled with dread every time they have to sit in the same area as A&E patients while waiting for treatment at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire.

She described a crowded room, with people coughing, or receiving positive Covid tests, as feeling like a "death sentence" for her daughter.

Delia is now calling for separate waiting areas to be created in the hospital, with one specifically for cancer patients.

Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which is responsible for health in north Wales, said officials "fully recognise the concerns raised" and are working to address them.

Charity Cancer Research Wales said it is important separate waiting areas are made available, because if patients get ill, vital treatment could be delayed.

"Rebecca often feels stressed and anxious about picking up germs when she has to sit and wait in the A&E department," said Delia, 69, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire.

"Even a common cold could kill Rebecca."

During evenings and weekends, the cancer unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is closed.

This means cancer patients have to go through the A&E department when they feel unwell.

After becoming concerned about the potential impact of this, Delia started campaigning for a safe place for cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems to wait before receiving treatment.

By speaking to people at the hospital and gathering support online, she now has 2,500 signatures of people who are supportive.

Despite her concerns for her daughter's safety, she added that she "cannot fault the NHS" and the "marvellous, superb, and professional" staff who work at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

But she added: "These patients can die if they come into contact with people within the A&E."

Rebecca was diagnosed with primary breast cancer four years ago.

After believing she was in the clear, the 41-year-old mother-of-three was told her cancer had spread and become terminal.

She is now undergoing chemotherapy at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

However, the layout of the hospital means what is already a stressful situation has made her even more anxious.

Delia hopes if she gets enough signatures, she can convince officials to turn one of Glan Clwyd's 24 treatment rooms into a cancer patient-only waiting area.

She believes this is a "simple issue" to fix and is determined "to keep pushing" for the change she wants to see for her daughter.

"The current measures aren't enough," Delia said.

"Every patient, especially those with cancer, should feel safe when they come to the hospital."

Gemma Bailey, 38, from Manchester, is a close friend of Delia and a survivor of cancer herself.