A Cavan senator says the National Cancer Strategy targets have been missed by a 'scandalous' margin. Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly brought the issue to the Seanad, addressing the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor.
Senator O'Reilly says that the target of 90% of cancer patients deemed fit for radiation therapy beginning treatment within 15 working days has not been met. Speaking in the Seanad earlier this week, the local senator called on the Department of Health to ensure cancer services are adequately staffed and that doctors and nurses have proper pay and conditions.
Senator O'Reilly added that having to wait for treatment brings "additional" and "unnecessary stress" to patients and their families, and that timely access to cancer treatments is "critical" in achieving the best possible outcome for patients:
