Washington system halts cancer care amid staff shortages

Kennewick, Wash.-based Trios Health will temporarily end its medical oncology services Dec. 13 due to staff shortages, the Tri-City Herald reported.

Trios had two oncologists who left the practice in July and August. Since then, the system has brought in temporary oncologists, but recently it said it has been difficult to recruit permanent or temporary staff.

"Maintaining our program under these circumstances is unsustainable operationally and not in the best interest of our patients who need consistent and reliable treatment," the hospital said in a statement to the news outlet. Trios added that it is working with patients and staff affected by the change and is recruiting cancer physicians with the intention of resuming and expanding services.

In the meantime, cancer patients are being transferred to local centers for treatment.

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