What requirements exist to ensure that health boards provide suitable replacement oncologists when a regular oncologist is on leave?
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care | Answered on 24/03/2026
Health boards are responsible for ensuring safe and appropriate clinical cover when any consultant, including oncologists, is on leave. This includes managing rotas, arranging internal cross cover within multidisciplinary teams, and using locum or temporary staff where required. Health boards must adhere to their local clinical governance procedures, job planning arrangements and professional leave policies to ensure continuity of care.