Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

University Hospital Waterford has experienced problems in recent months in achieving the target set by the National Cancer Control Programme for rapid access to prostate clinics. The target is that 90% of patients be seen within 20 days of receipt of a referral.

A number of actions have been taken by the hospital to improve the timelines of access for patients to prostate cancer services. These have included the referral of 37 new patients to St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin in February and the referral of 47 new patients to the Mater Private Hospital in November 2014.

Additional consultant urologists are required in University Hospital Waterford and the hospital has prioritised these appointments. One new consultant urologist commenced work in April and a second is due to commence work next month. When both consultants are in place, University Hospital Waterford will be better positioned to achieve the national access standards for prostate cancer services.

In February 2015 there were 24 new attendances at Waterford’s prostate clinic and, of these, four patients or 17% not 50%, have had a diagnosis of primary prostate cancer. In total in February, 12 patients received a prostate cancer diagnosis but it is important to say that some of these were not new attendances and they were not seen for the first time in February.

In conclusion, the development of prostate cancer services in Waterford has been identified as a priority and because of that significant service enhancements are now under way and the private sector is being used in the interim.

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