In the autonomous region of Val D’Aosta, a Permanent Oncology Table will be set up in which representatives of medical oncologists, the elderly and health institutions will take part. The goal is to improve the health care network for all cancer patients who are experiencing a very difficult time also due to Covid. The decision was made yesterday during an online meeting organized by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (Aiom), Senior Italia FederAnziani and local institutions, during the new stage of the (virtual) tour that the two associations have been running for a few months. to meet all the regional health councilors of our country.
Here there is a lack of doctors and staff
The greatest urgency of healthcare in the Val D’Aosta is linked to the lack of personnel. “Our Region has been experiencing problems for too many years, especially with regard to the lack of medical and health personnel”, underlined Alessandro Roberto Barmasse, Councilor for health, health and social policies: “We are, in fact, an unattractive and border area. many specialists prefer to go to work in Switzerland or France. This shortcoming was even more evident during the first phase of the pandemic when we had to face major difficulties. Better management of available resources is therefore necessary ”.
Val D’Aosta and Piedmont: united in the Oncology Network, but too many differences
The Regional Oncological Network has been active for several years and brings together the oncological activities of both Valle D’Aosta and Piedmont in a single structure. “However, there are discrepancies between the two territories that remain divided from a political and administrative point of view”, says Rosella Spadi, Coordinator Aiom Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta: “For example, the exemption from the ticket for the BRCA test is foreseen in Piedmont but not in Val D’Aosta. The free vaccinations against HPV, for all women treated at the cervix for CIN 2 and 3 lesions, however, are not yet available in both regions. There are therefore a whole series of problems that must be addressed as soon as possible “.
The pandemic has stopped ordinary activity
“The pandemic has had important numbers in Val D’Aosta and we had to face it with only one hospital unit”, adds Marina Schena, Director of the Oncology and Oncological Hematology Complex Structure of the Aosta Valley AUSL: “Ordinary activity has then stopped and this also affected medical oncology. In particular, the screening and follow-up exams have been suspended and are now being restarted with many difficulties. Telemedicine can be a resource to be used especially if we consider the mountainous morphology of our territory. However, it must be implemented and regulated even if it can never replace 100% face-to-face visits “.
Cancer networks as a tool
“Our Scientific Society has for years been engaged in the promotion and implementation of Regional Oncological Networks throughout the national territory – adds Giordano Beretta, Aiom National President:” We are convinced that the future of oncological treatments will increasingly pass from the use of these health facilities which present undoubted advantages both for patients and for the national health system. The Coronavirus has made the absolute necessity of the Networks even more evident and for this reason we have started a tour throughout Italy to deal with local health institutions “. “As all national and international data show, cancer is a typical disease of the elderly – concludes Roberto Messina, National President of Senior Italia FederAnziani -. It is estimated that in the next 10 years in Italy we will have a 10% increase in the over 65s and this will have great consequences on the entire country system. We must therefore work immediately to find solutions and guarantee patients qualified and efficient healthcare. This must take place throughout the national territory and also in the more peripheral areas such as Val D’Aosta ”.