Sir, - In response to your article "Specialist in cancer says radiotherapy facilities are inadequate" (The Irish Times, December 20th), I would like to reassure those in need of cancer treatment from the Southern Health Board's Cork University Hospital that each case is individually assessed and prioritised. Urgent cases receive immediate care.
Waiting times for patients referred for radiotherapy treatment to Cork University Hospital are as follows:
From the time of referral, a patient who is considered to be an urgent case is seen by the consultant radiotherapist at the next clinic (maximum of five working days, usually within two to three days).
A patient presently referred for post-operative follow-up treatment is normally seen by the consultant radiotherapist within two weeks of receipt of referral.
A patient in the hospital referred for radiotherapy is usually seen by the consultant radiotherapist within two to three days of referral and the treatment usually begins once treatment and planning has been carried out.
All patients requiring radiotherapy as an out-patient can expect to begin treatment within four weeks of consultation. Many patients begin treatment earlier than this.
As there is a limited number of radiotherapy beds available, from time to time patients requiring a bed while receiving treatment may experience a delay (this may take up to two months).
Significant investments have been and will continue to be made in the Southern Health Board's cancer services both in terms of personnel and equipment. This will ensure the future development of these critical services. - Yours, etc.,
Sean Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health Board, Wilton Road, Cork.