Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply and the HSE for the prompt response today. "Cancellation" is a word which the HSE can state definitively does not apply, but I understand that one cannot cancel radiotherapy treatment as such. It must continue albeit it can be delayed for a day or two. However, it cannot be cancelled. We may be mixing up words or perhaps it was not the best word to put forward in the debate. While I appreciate that nothing has been cancelled, there have been delays and it is that issue which is causing people concern. The HSE has put up its hands and said the installation of new equipment has caused delays. No party to this debate needs me to explain the trauma cancer imposes on people. It is incumbent on the HSE management and on us as legislators to ensure that when new systems are put in place, a smooth transition occurs and that no delays are caused. They contribute very significantly to the burden on patients who are attending on a daily basis and must wait around for three, four and five hours for treatment. Others may have to wait for another week for a treatment to start. It is not good enough that we are using the installation of new machines as an excuse. This is a modern era in which we should be able to prepare for such transfers and avoid adding these delays and traumas to people's existing burdens. The cancellation issue arises in respect of the rolling closures of the theatre for cancer patients which is an added complication. Several procedures for cancer patients have been cancelled in theatres because of staffing issues at CUH, which is another cause of concern and something I wish to bring to the attention of the Minister of State to pass on to the HSE.

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