Cancer patients have been forced to rely on overseas doctors after the Island's only oncologist left nearly a month ago.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is looking to find a replacement for Tu Tu Aung-Hillman, who finished work on July 28.

The oncologist's role was to diagnose cancer patients and decide on the most appropriate form of treatment.

Cancer patients are now having to fly abroad, or have interactive health care consultations via phone or video, until a permanent oncologist can be found.

"To not have one cancer specialist on this Island is a disgrace," said a cancer patient who didn't want to be named. "I mean, where do patients go to? They get the chemotherapy they have nurses that administer that.

"There is no one to follow that [treatment] up, except your GP or regular doctor who is not a cancer specialist. It is a sad situation.

"You have to leave here to go overseas and get some help otherwise there is no one here to help you."

A spokeswoman said the BHB is now searching to fill Dr. Aung-Hillman's role.

"BHB confirms recruitment for the position of a permanent oncologist for the Cancer Care Centre is being actively undertaken. We have already scheduled an interview next week for a prospective candidate.

"We are also working with [the Department of] Immigration to secure coverage using locums from Lahey [Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts]. In addition, all our overseas partners continue to participate in patient care."

@$:Rhonda Smith-Simmons, Education Officer at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said it was not the first time an oncologist had left the Island without a replacement being set up.

"The real issue in my estimation is that it is an on-going problem," she said.

"I am sure the hospital is doing all it can".

"I do not know why it is so difficult to recruit someone. Is it that Bermuda is such a small Island so it is not very appealing to a top-notch oncologist?

"Oncologists also tend to get very specialized in their field, but in Bermuda the oncologist has to deal with all kinds of cancers."

Mrs. Smith-Simmons said some cancer patients had expressed "great concern" during periods where there was no oncologist on the Island.

"Newly diagnosed patients did not have the benefit of a specialist consultation, and those already on treatments also felt uncomfortable.

"Some of these patients are telling their doctor they need a referral to go overseas," she explained.

"Their insurance company may cover the treatment overseas, and if so they will be OK. But what about someone that is on HIP? I do not know what options that person has. So it is a concern."

The BHB spokeswoman said patients could get emergency support from Lahey Clinic without flying overseas.

Known as 'telemedicine' the method allows patients to get prescriptions and treatment advice via telephone and live video.

They can also have interactive health care consultations with overseas doctors via a robot. A computer screen on top of the robot shows the patient the doctor's face and they are able to communicate through speakers.

The robot carries a stethoscope that clinicians can place over the patient's heart and lungs to check their vital signs.

Cancer patients can also get emergency intervention or assistance from other physicians when needed, the spokeswoman added.