New cancer performance data shows Waterford patients experience some of the longest delays in the country when accessing chemotherapy and breast cancer surgery.

Figures released by the HSE and provided to Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane reveal that University Hospital Waterford ranks second worst nationally for timely access to chemotherapy. The data also highlights significant delays for breast cancer surgery, driven largely by long waiting times for MRI scans.

Chemotherapy Access Among Worst in the State

The figures show that 34 percent of patients in Waterford did not start chemotherapy within the target timeframe of 15 working days.

That places Waterford 24th out of 25 hospitals nationally providing chemotherapy services.

By comparison:

  • Kilkenny recorded delays for 28 percent of patients

  • The national average stands at 15 percent

  • Wexford recorded delays of just 2.7 percent

In real terms, 119 patients in Waterford faced delayed access to chemotherapy during 2025, according to the preliminary figures.

Deputy Cullinane described the data as deeply concerning.

“People in Waterford have to wait longer for access to chemotherapy than almost anywhere else in the country, and longer than anywhere else in the south east,” he said.

Breast Cancer Surgery Delays Linked to MRI Backlogs

The data also shows that 41 percent of patients in Waterford did not receive breast cancer surgery within the recommended 20-day timeframe.

The figures indicate that 52 women experienced delays, largely due to long waiting times for MRI scans. University Hospital Waterford serves as the main cancer centre for breast cancer surgery across the south east.

According to the data, if MRI scans were provided on time, 84 percent of patients would receive surgery within target timeframes, though delays would still affect some patients.

Deputy Cullinane said diagnostic bottlenecks continue to disrupt cancer care.

“These delays are driven by a knock-on delay for MRI scans. If people in Waterford could get their MRI scans on time, then the vast majority would get breast cancer surgery on time.”

Impact on Patients and Staff

Deputy Cullinane said the figures reflect growing pressure across the cancer system, despite the efforts of frontline staff.

“Behind each of these figures are hundreds of people who are sick with worry, facing delay after delay and trying to cope with the fear that their cancer is progressing while they wait,” he said.

He added that patients who can afford private care often bypass delays, creating what he described as a two-tier cancer system.

“Those who can afford to go private can get ahead, while everyone else is left to sit in a queue. That is completely contrary to Sláintecare.”

Underinvestment and Capacity Gaps Highlighted

The Waterford TD said the data reflects years of underinvestment in the National Cancer Strategy. He said capacity issues extend across diagnostics, treatment, surgery, equipment and staffing.

He also pointed to outdated equipment and staff shortages as key problems.

“Some hospitals do not have enough equipment, others have outdated equipment, and in some cases hospitals have new equipment but cannot retain enough staff to operate it,” he said.

Around 35 percent of radiotherapy equipment nationally remains out of date, according to the figures referenced.

Call for Urgent Action

Deputy Cullinane said the Government must now act to prevent further deterioration in cancer services and called for full, multi-annual funding for the National Cancer Strategy, a credible workforce plan, and urgent action to address diagnostic and treatment bottlenecks, saying:

“This data must be a turning point. Patients deserve timely care, and staff deserve a system that supports them”

The figures come amid growing concern nationally about delays across cancer services, with diagnostic capacity repeatedly identified as a critical pressure point in the system.

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