Cancer treatment delays at University Hospital Waterford have come under sharp focus at a recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council, with councillors warning that patients are waiting too long for vital care.
Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahony brought forward a motion highlighting new data from the Health Service Executive (HSE), which shows that 34% of patients in University Hospital Waterford are not receiving chemotherapy within the target timeframe of 15 working days.
Hospital performance among lowest in the country
Councillors heard that the figures place University Hospital Waterford 24th out of 25 hospitals nationally that provide chemotherapy services. The hospital is also the poorest performing in the south-east region.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor O’Mahony said the issue goes beyond statistics and reflects the lived reality of patients and families.
She said patients often wait at home for weeks, uncertain about when their treatment will begin, and experience significant anxiety during a critical stage of their care.
She added that the data shows a clear regional disparity, noting that 28% of patients in Kilkenny miss the target timeframe, compared to a national average of 15% and just 2.7% in Wexford.
Capacity pressures identified as key issue
Councillors agreed that cancer treatment delays in Waterford stem from capacity constraints rather than medical expertise.
The motion highlighted ongoing pressures in diagnostics, treatment and surgery at University Hospital Waterford, including limited imaging capacity, staffing shortages and insufficient resources.
Councillor O’Mahony said the situation undermines the principle of equitable healthcare, as those who can afford private care may access treatment faster.
She told the meeting that cancer care should never depend on where a person lives.
Strong support from councillors
Councillors across parties supported the motion, stressing the human impact behind the figures.
John Hearne said the State should mobilise every available resource to support patients facing cancer, comparing the response needed to an emergency at sea.
He said that when people face life-threatening illness, the State must act decisively to protect them.
Mary Roche also backed the motion and proposed inviting hospital management to brief councillors on the challenges facing services.
She said councillors need a clearer understanding of the constraints within the hospital and how they can support improvements.
Other councillors, including Thomas Phelan, Catherine Burke and Joe O’Riordan, voiced their support and described the figures as deeply concerning.
Call for government action
The council agreed to write to the Minister for Health, the Department of Health, the HSE and the regional health authority to seek urgent action.
The motion calls for full implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, increased annual funding, and a comprehensive workforce plan for oncology and diagnostics.
Councillors also called for investment in staffing and equipment to ensure services can operate at full capacity.
As the debate concluded, councillors emphasised that addressing cancer treatment delays must become a priority, warning that patients in the south-east deserve the same timely care as those elsewhere in the country.
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