Public patient Wayne Talbot feels he’s been ‘left to die’ as he waits for cancer treatment

Cancer patient Wayne Talbot says he was “lost in the system” as his cancer spread but SA Health and the Health Minister say there have been “no delays”.

A bladder cancer patient who says he was “lost in the system” feared he would be left to die at home in Crystal Brook.

Wayne Talbot, 57, says he has been told repeatedly his cancer case is urgent but claims paperwork for his treatment had been misplaced.

SA Health and Health Minister Chris Picton says there has been “no delays” and Mr Talbot will now commence chemotherapy on Thursday, after federal MP Rowan Ramsey twice wrote to Mr Picton urging intervention.

Federal Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey who advocated for Mr Talbot. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Health Minister Chris Picton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“It has now spread to my prostate and lymphs and as yet I have had no treatment,” Mr Talbot said.

“It is absolute agony to pee and the mental stress is terrible.”

After a cancer diagnosis by his GP in September Mr Talbot was referred to a urology specialist on October 9 who recommended a biopsy.

“I was told I need urgent treatment and to fill out the admission paperwork for the Royal Adelaide Hospital with the hope I would get the treatment in about a week,” he said.

“But it seems the paperwork got lost and I simply slipped through the system. Nothing happened until I started complaining.

“Then I was sent for a biopsy at Calvary and again was told it is urgent I receive treatment but again nothing happened. It is a disgrace.

“I have now had three lots of scans and a biopsy, and each time the different tests have been carried out I have been told your cancer has grown and or spread.

“Now it looks like I’ll lose my bladder and prostate. I feel like I am being left in Crystal Brook to die with no treatment.”

Federal Liberal MP for Grey, Rowan Ramsey, advocated on his behalf to Health Minister Chris Picton while concerned friends lobbied state independent state MP for Stuart, Geoff Brock, to intervene.

A Central Adelaide Local Health Network statement says: “There have been no delays to treatment for Mr Wayne Talbot.

“Following a bladder cancer diagnosis through his GP, Mr Talbot was referred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital Urology department. He attended a urologist appointment on 9 October 2023 and was advised he would require a biopsy procedure.

“As an urgent case, Mr Talbot was referred to Calvary Hospital as a public patient to receive his biopsy procedure, ensuring he was seen within the clinically recommended time frame of 30 days.

“Mr Talbot had his biopsy procedure completed at Calvary Hospital on 3 November 2023, which means he was seen within 26 days and within the current Category 1 wait time frame.

“Following the biopsy, a team of specialists reviewed Mr Talbot’s case on 22 November to determine the best treatment plan. He is booked in for his first chemotherapy treatment this week on Thursday.”

Health Minister Chris Picton wished Mr Talbot all the best with his chemotherapy.

“I thank the doctors and nurses who have undertaken his biopsy without delay and well within the clinically recommended time,” he said.