Cancer patients waiting dangerously long times for chemo and for surgery
Deputy Claire Kerrane said the data on delays is "really worrying".
Roscommon Sinn Fein Deputy Claire Kerrane has raised concerns about time delays facing cancer patients saying they are "waiting dangerously long times for chemo and for surgery."
She stated that there is "really worrying data on delays for cancer patients when it comes to chemotherapy and some cancer surgeries in University Hospital Galway," but added this is "not unique to Galway".
She highlighted that just 72% of cancer patients received chemotherapy within the 15 days timeframe target (74% in Portiuncula) and just 21% of Prostate cancer patients had their surgery within 30 working days.
She added that 46% of patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer had surgery within the 20 working days required- target timeframe for surgery.
She stated, "This data is frightening. When a person is diagnosed with cancer they need to access their treatment on time. This is not happening. Galway is a Centre of Excellence for cancer care. It serves a huge population. These failures are the consequence of Government refusing to fund the National Cancer Strategy for several years."
Se has called for the upgrade of equipment for hospitals saying 35% of radiotherapy equipment is out of date and the full implementation of the Cancer Strategy with multi-annual funding.
She further said there is a need for publication and delivery of a credible workforce strategy.
"Cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful staff working in our hospitals deserve proper resourcing of cancer care services."
