Limestone Coast radiation treatment working party criticises Dr Andrew Saies’ in scathing letter

A working party advocating for radiation treatment services to be established in SA’s South-East has criticised an Adelaide-based chairman in an angry letter to government.

Committee Chair of the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group, Lachlan Hayes. Picture: Facebook

A radiation treatment working party in the state’s South-East has criticised an Adelaide-based chairman of the local health network over his conduct towards SE cancer patients. The working party claims his behaviour needs tempering and currently gives an impression of lacking respect and sensitivity.

In a letter obtained by The Advertiser, chair of the Radiation Treatment Limestone Coast Working Party, Lachlan Haynes, writes to Health Minister Chris Picton and Premier Peter Malinauskas on behalf of the group about concerns regarding the manner in which they say the chairman of Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN), Dr Andrew Saies, conducted himself during meetings on July 30 and August 7.

Dr Andrew Saies, chairman of Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN). Picture: Sportsmed.

Committee Chair of the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group, Lachlan Haynes. Picture: Facebook

The letter alleges Dr Saies acted uncomely during these meetings, giving them the impression of making multiple statements “said from a position of privilege” which appeared to show disregard for the numerous struggles faced by regional cancer patients.

“The Group felt that Dr Saies was overly assertive and at times highly antithetical in his position to the point of severely lacking empathy to the high emotional state of the group on the negative findings of the Feasibility Study,” Mr Haynes wrote.

“(We feel) the nature of Dr Saies interactions need tempering and currently lack respect and sensitivity to the many members of the group who have suffered greatly while battling cancer or supporting others fighting the disease.”

“As an organisation that seeks to represent the local region we feel it necessary to have a positive working relationship with the Board - and in particular the Chair - and Dr Saies conduct to date has given us the impression that there is no intention to work with us, only against us.”

People of the Limestone Coast have been left feeling like "second-hand citizens" after plans for a local radiation treatment centre have been scrapped. Picture: Facebook.

Dr Saies has rejected the claims put forward in the letter, calling them “unfair” in a statement issued through SA Health.

“I acknowledge there is disappointment felt due to the findings of the independent feasibility study, heightened by the intense emotional, physical and financial burdens felt by cancer patients and their families,” Dr Saies said.

“I am concerned by the tone of the letter from the working party chairman and its unfair claims.

“The Board is committed to improving outcomes for all cancer patients in the Limestone Coast and we will continue to work collaboratively with the working party for the benefit of our community.”

Minister Picton offered his support for Dr Saies in a similar statement in which he said he attended the August 7 meeting and did not observe any conduct such as described in the Working Party’s letter.

Health Minister, Chris Picton offered his support to Dr Saies. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Dr Saies has my support … I know that (he and the LCLHN Governing Board look forward to making meaningful improvements for people in the Limestone Coast who have cancer,” Mr Picton said.

Mr Haynes told The Advertiser while he can’t comment further, he stands by the contents of the letter and the valid feelings expressed in it by members of the Working Party.