Concerns over delays at cancer ward in Galway

A Mayo councillor has said the shortage of available beds in the St Joseph’s Cancer Ward at University Hospital Galway is very concerning and is causing hardship for patients. 

Cllr Alma Gallagher raised the matter at the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest when she referred to a constituent waiting over four weeks for a bed, as a result of which treatments were postponed. 

“This is very concerning. Deferrals are clearly happening and it seems delays data at the hospital is not being tracked properly. This relates to a very anxious time for these patients, both emotionally and psychologically and when patients are told delays are due to there being no beds, confidence in the service is seriously damaged. These weeks of delay can be very detrimental, and I would like to know where the surge capacity for cancer patients is.” 

A written reply from HSE management noted that the ward contains 26 beds which are primarily used for cancer/oncology patients and for the provision of emergency, acute and elective care for oncology patients. Consultants prioritise patients of highest clinical priority weekly and a multi-disciplinary team also makes a weekly plan for bed occupancy. 

Integrated Health Area Manager Ann Cosgrove continued: “We are currently facing backlogs as the hospital has been in sustained escalation. In cases of emergency admissions, some haematology/oncology patients may need to be allocated to another ward. 

"As of February 10, the oncology service has 49 inpatients as well as 50 patients a day scheduled for chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately, a considerable number of patients are on the waiting list (52) as both oncology and haematology services are running at 100% capacity."

She added that plans are currently progressing to provide extra space in the day ward which will increase capacity. A recruitment campaign is also ongoing for oncology nurses with positions expected to be filled shortly. 

Ms Cosgrove agreed it is not acceptable for any patient to be waiting to start their treatment, adding: “It is really regrettable that any patient can’t get access within their timelines and we do everything we can to get our haematology and oncology patients in.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.