CANCER patients across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have had their treatments postponed due to staffing shortages.

University Hospitals Dorset said it has been forced to reschedule some appointments across Poole and Royal Bournemouth Hospital, meaning several patients will have to wait to receive chemotherapy and radiography treatments.

A spokesperson for the hospitals trust said: “We have had to reschedule some appointments very reluctantly because of the availability of specialist cancer staff.

“This is a national problem, and we are working hard with training to help build this specialist service across both Poole and Royal Bournemouth further.

“We are also seeking outside support from partners in the meantime.”

For treatments, the trust said it is prioritising patients based on their clinical need, ensuring they treat the most acute first.

“We apologise to all patients who have had had their treatment rescheduled and we are doing everything we can to help build a resilient service for the future,” added the spokesperson.