NSW government walks back claims of cancelled chemotherapy appointments during doctors' strike

The NSW government has confirmed that the number of chemotherapy appointments they said were cancelled as doctors went on strike this week was incorrect.

On Tuesday, the government said chemotherapy appointments for 486 cancer patients were impacted when 3500 doctors walked off the job.

The Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation (ASMOF) disputed this at the time, and maintained that no chemotherapy appointments were cancelled.

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Today a spokesperson for Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that the reported number of cancelled chemotherapy appointments was told to the media in error.

"On Tuesday, our office briefed media that 486 chemotherapy appointments had been cancelled as a result of industrial action," a spokesperson said.

"What should have been said was 486 cancer patients had their oncology appointments cancelled, which included chemotherapy treatments.

"We apologise to media outlets who were told this in error.

"That number has since risen to 667 cancelled oncology appointments."

The ASMOF said these oncology appointments relate to non-urgent matters like consultations.

ASMOF executive director Andrew Holland said the union had spoken directly with doctors and oncologists.

"We have found no evidence that a single chemotherapy session was cancelled as a result of this industrial action," he said.

"When asked to substantiate their claims, NSW Health failed to provide any confirmation that chemotherapy sessions had in fact been cancelled.

"These false and damaging claims have caused significant distress to our members, especially oncologists, who were deeply offended by the suggestion that they would ever jeopardise a cancer patient's treatment in pursuit of a pay rise.

"It is hard to overstate how upsetting this must have also been for cancer patients and their families who rely on this life-saving treatment. The government's rhetoric, amplified by some sections of the media, was irresponsible and alarmist.

"Our members took every step to ensure patient safety throughout the strike. The government owes them, and the public, an explanation, and an apology."

The ASMOF today said it would comply with orders from the Industrial Relations Committee to stop any further strike action until July 1.

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