Oncologist falls ill, 18 chemotherapy treatments in Sciacca canceled

Last Updated: December 12, 2023

This morning, there were reported issues for cancer patients receiving treatment at the Giovanni Paolo II hospital in Sciacca, where only one doctor, who also serves as the head, operates. The doctor could not make it to work due to illness, causing 18 chemotherapy treatments and at least 15 scheduled outpatient visits to be postponed. Patients were asked to return home, leading to protests. The shortage of oncologists at the hospital in recent weeks had been addressed by the management with the temporary mobility of doctors from other hospitals in the area, but this measure has been suspended. Efforts are being made to contract some of the doctors who took part in a 2021 oncologist competition to address the ongoing staffing shortages.