It has been revealed that only 68% of patients diagnosed with cancer at UHW, receive chemotherapy treatment within 15 days.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) by the Irish Independent has found that a number of hospitals based around the country have missed their target of administering chemotherapy to 95% of patients within 15 days of being diagnosed with cancer.
The National Cancer Control Programme has set out targets for hospitals that 95% of patients should receive Inetrvinious Treatment (IV) within 15 days of being diagnosed.
As stated in the Irish Independent by Kevin Doyle IV treatment is used to treat a variety of cancers including breast cancer and it helps fight cells anywhere in the body because it circulates in the blood.
Cavan, Connolly, Nass, Tallaght, Mayo, Sligo and Wexford all met their target or exceeded it.
Further down the list at the bottom is Mater Hospital with only 63% of their patients receiving treatment within the national guideline limits, while the Mercy was at 67% and University Hospital Waterford 68%
Included in the list are also a number of other hospitals not meeting their target including St James, South Tipp, MWRH Limerick, Galway and Portiuncula.
In a statement released by the HSE, a spokesperson said the incident rates of cancer are going up annually.
"Quite simply that means more people are presenting for treatment. The options for patients in terms of chemotherapy treatments have also increased in recent years.
Those patients with advanced or metastatic disease today have access to more chemotherapy options than they had 10 years ago and further advancement will mean even more options.
This is clearly good for patients but nevertheless places further pressure in ensuring the service.. is in a position to respond.
Responding to these figures Waterford TD David Cullinane said that this is just another "scandal"
Listen to Deputy Cullinane's interview with Eamon below.
https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/david-cullinane-speaking-about-a-number-of-hospitals-not-meeting-target-to-administer-chemotherapy
