Failure to meet cancer screening targets

It was disappointing and somewhat alarming that recent reports suggest the HSE failed to meet national targets for treating breast cancer patients last year.

They then sought to reduce them for 2020, documents reveal.

They cited increased anxiety in the breastcheck screening service ahead of up-coming legal cases, and also that hospitals were struggling with a lack of qualified staff.

As is well documented in recent times, the lack of fully qualified consultants, and an acute shortage of doctors and nurses in our hospitals, has had an adverse effect on cancer and other acute services in this country.

In particular, the closing down of some cancer services at Sligo University Hospital in the past number of years.

All of which means patients from the northwest region have to travel long distances to be seen by a cancer specialist.

This has resulted in gridlock in some hospital settings, with existing staff run off their feet.

The unfortunate patient suffers as a result of this situation, with added stress, fear and anxiety.

A cancer diagnosis affects the patient in three different ways, physically, emotionally and financially.

And, they not need added stress levels to complicate treatments, and the vital recovery process.

It is imperative that the national targets for screening all cancer patients as set out in the National Cancer Strategy, are met by the HSE in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Yours faithfully,