Up to 8 week wait at UHG for chemotherapy

The wait for chemotherapy treatment in Galway University Hospital at present, is four times longer than recommended under the National Cancer Strategy

Cancer delays are causing avoidable deaths. That is the stark warning from the Irish Cancer Society today as it highlights new data showing delays in cancer tests and treatment across Ireland. The Society is calling for increased investment in Budget 2026 in cancer staff, buildings and equipment to ensure target waiting times are met.

The new comprehensive data highlights shocking variation across the country in terms of accessing life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment on time.

Dr Michael McCarthy, President, Irish Society of Medical Oncology and Consultant Medical Oncologist at University Hospital Galway, says he sees the human cost of the postcode lottery in Irish cancer care every day.

Once chemotherapy is prescribed, the National Cancer Strategy states that it should start within fifteen working days. The reality in Galway is that patients are now typically waiting seven to eight weeks for their first session.

In 2016, the day ward in Galway University Hospital had 13,000 visits. By last year , that had increased to 25,000.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power  spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about the national postcode lottery for services…