Ms Amy Nolan:

We know there are not enough PET scanners across the country for the huge number of people requiring access to them. Dr. McCarthy can attest to this from his experience in Galway and Cork.

If you are in Limerick and need a PET scan, you have to go to Cork while all those from the geographic area around Cork are also accessing the same scanners. These PET scans are really needed for appropriate diagnosis at the early stage, which can then be followed up. There are definitely gaps in the system. When we had a cancer strategy that was effective and funded, there were some fantastic examples of things being achieved. I refer particularly to the acute haematology oncology service. Patients can call a designated line and have symptoms related to treatment assessed. That has been a fantastic outcome. It is only available Monday to Friday from 9 to 5 while, as we all know, cancer patients can be sick at any point in the day. That service needs to be extended but that can only happen if it is funded.