Prairie Lakes among hospitals dealing with cancer drug shortage

November 14, 2023

WATERTOWN,, S.D.–The national publication Becker’s Review says nearly two-thirds of hospitals in the country are struggling with shortages of cancer drugs, and that includes South Dakota.

At Prairie Lakes in Watertown, a cancer patient was recently turned away from a chemotherapy treatment because the medicine was not available and was told there was hope more would arrive the following week.

Prairie Lakes spokeswoman Lydia Newman released a statement that read, “there is currently a nationwide shortage of cancer drugs affecting cancer facilities, and the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center is not immune to this shortage. Physicians and staff work closely with each oncology patient to ensure the best personal plan of care currently available is communicated and put forth.”