More than fifty patients with cancer from across Donegal have so far been referred to Galway University Hospital for treatment following the recent suspension of new chemotherapy referrals at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has labelled the recent HSE figures as ‘outrageous’ and ‘cruel.’
Deputy Doherty says that each of those fifty one referrals represent a sick and vulnerable patient who, having been denied access to cancer services locally, must now travel over 250km away to undergo chemotherapy treatment.
Deputy Doherty said “Last week, as is now well known, hospital management confirmed to me that it had taken the decision to suspend all new chemotherapy referrals at Letterkenny’s oncology department following the resignation of a Locum Oncologist.
“Since this announcement, I have been persistently demanding answers from both the HSE and the Minister for Health as to why this shambolic situation was ever allowed to happen in the first place, and I have also challenged the rationale behind a medical oncologist not travelling up to Donegal to oversee chemotherapy regimens, instead of the current arrangements whereby sick patients are being forced to travel outside of the county for treatment.
“Last week, despite me having requested on several occasions for the suspension of the service to be placed on the Dáil order of business for debate, the Minister for Health didn’t even bother to show up for the session to provide answers to those questions and to offer an apology to the people of Donegal for his own personal failing as Minister for this mess, which has caused untold suffering and anguish to patients and their loved ones.
“Now it has been revealed, following the release of data from the HSE which I immediately requested through Parliamentary Question, that a total of fifty one patients have so far been referred from Letterkenny hospital to Galway – 250km away –in order to undergo chemotherapy.
“And, considering that the service will not resume again until a replacement Locum takes up the post at Letterkenny hospital next month, it is highly likely that this figure will continue to rise and that even more patients will be transferred in the days and weeks ahead.
“Does the HSE and the Minister truly believe that by forcing cancer patients from the northwest to travel four, five or, in some instances, up to six hours away to receive cancer treatment that they are providing acceptable care to patients?
“Behind each of those fifty one referrals is an ill patient who has been denied treatment locally and, together with their loved ones, they are now being asked to leave their homes and communities behind to access cancer services – that is outrageous, unforgivable, and nothing short of cruel.”