John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the first few months of this year only one in every six men with potential symptoms of prostate cancer were referred to the prostate clinic in Waterford. Only one in eight men nationally were seen within the recommended deadline of 20 days of referral. The clinic is supposed to provide rapid access yet delays in filling staffing shortages in Waterford University Hospital have resulted in the longest delays. That is very worrying because according to the HSE's own figures, half of the men referred to the Waterford clinic were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I do not need to remind the Minister that early diagnosis is key to the survival rate of patients with prostate cancer.

We were promised additional consultant urologists. Could the Minister confirm whether he said a urologist who was appointed in April is now working in Waterford and that ancillary staff are in place?

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