UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick (UHL) has been successful in recruiting the necessary oncology nursing staff and additional medical oncologist to help tackle consistent staffing shortages.
This was the response from the Minister of Health’s office to Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea, who raised the matter in the Dáil last month, in relation to the staffing situation in the oncology department at UHL.
Minister Stephen Donnelly’s office told Deputy O’Dea that the recently filled positions will help to facilitate UHL meeting its chemotherapy access time targets.
“I have been advised that the Mid West designated cancer centre in UHL covers a population of 400,000 people. UHL has increased the number of cancer inpatient beds from 26 to 34. This is in response to an increase in managing the increased workload,” the Department of Health explained.
“Chemotherapy treatment, which is provided in a day ward, has increased 11 per cent from 643 patients in 2022 to 719 patients in 2023. As of the beginning of October 2024, the previous 12 months saw 801 patients receive Systematic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) in UHL, with 90 per cent seen within target time.”
Deputy O’Dea was informed that UHL has now been successful in recruiting the necessary oncology nursing staff, and a further medical oncologist to help facilitate UHL meeting its chemotherapy access time targets.
The Department confirmed that the HSE Mid West advised that no patient in its cancer centre has had their chemotherapy cancelled “due to staffing levels”.
“Furthermore, timely access to treatment for its patients is a top priority, and any delay in commencing treatment is deeply regretted.”
