Latest news with #NCCP
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cancer support centres in Wicklow still waiting for budget funding
The government pledged to invest €41 million in cancer services this year, including a €5.5 million allocation to the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services. Purple House in Bray, Greystones Cancer Support and Arklow Cancer Support Group are members of the Alliance and were due to receive funding during 2025. However, it's understood none of those groups have received that funding. Former Health Minister Stephen Donnelly first made the announcement while paying a visit to Purple House Cancer Support Centre in Bray last October, where he also stated he had asked his Department to consider funding for other cancer support services in County Wicklow. These include Wicklow Town Cancer Support, West Wicklow Cancer Support, Rathdrum Cancer Support and Roundwood Cancer Support. Funding was also ringfenced for these community cancer support groups around the county, but they have yet to be contacted by officials from the HSE. Raising the issue in the Dáil recently, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore called on her constituency colleague Tánaiste Simon Harris to make sure the promise of funding for these groups is kept. 'The Tánaiste and I both well know the amazing work these cancer groups do in County Wicklow. I have seen correspondence from the former Minister where he said that funding would be recurrent funding, no matter the affiliation with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).' In response Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said The HSE and the NCCP have recently been working with community organisations to distribute the 2025 funding allocation. 'The first call for the full members of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres, of which Purple House is one, is now almost complete and the second call for the associate members is now under way.' 'The Alliance has 21 full members and 22 associate members. The associate members will now go through that process as well, but the priority is, of course, for the full members.' she added.
Agriland
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
RSA warns about sun glare as high temperatures approach
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution on the roads this weekend as Met Eireann has issued Status Yellow weather warnings for high temperatures Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 11-13). There are Status Yellow warnings for Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath from 12:00p.m. on Friday to 6:00a.m Saturday. A similar warning will come into place for the whole of Ireland from 12:00p.m on Saturday to 6:00a.m on Sunday. Temperatures could be in excess of 27°C. Potential impacts are water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches, forest fires a possibility, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress. RSA warning In high temperatures, the RSA is advising road users, particularly drivers, to be aware of the dangers posed by sun glare. This can result in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness of the sun. With clear sunny conditions and high temperatures forecast over the next number of days, the RSA is advising drivers to: Reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses. Be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day; Be prepared and ensure you have adequate supplies of water. Any delays to journeys could result in road users being stuck in traffic for a period of time in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather; Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out. Make sure you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies/insects and excess dust from the road when driving; Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Slow down and allow extra space when passing. Pedestrians, people who cycle and motorcyclists are advised to beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions. The advice is to follow current health messaging around the use of sun block when out walking and cycling. Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads according to the RSA. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, road users tend to drop their guard. There can be a spike in pedestrian, people who cycle and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people on to the roads, the authority added. Drivers need to be on the lookout for them, slow down and expect the unexpected. Health warnings Meanwhile, health services such as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union has also issued warnings and advice ahead of the high temperatures. With sunny weather forecast for this weekend, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the damaging effects of exposure to UV radiation from the sun, and to ensure SunSmart is part of your daily routine. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin which burns easily and tans poorly, so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer, according to the NCCP. With over 11,000 cases each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Enjoying the sun safely means understanding the UV Index, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during the middle of the day and using sunscreen on exposed skin, the NCCP stated. The UV index is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous. It measures the strength of the sun's UV rays so that you know how and when to protect your skin when outdoors. When the UV index is three or above, you need to protect your skin and eyes and follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's. Meteorologist at Met Éireann, Linda Hughes said: 'With temperatures set to be in the mid-20's and the UV index high over the weekend it is important to protect your skin and eyes by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's. 'The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. Be prepared and plan ahead by checking the UV forecast on Met Éireann's website.' Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5Ss: Slip on clothing : Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through; : Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through; Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen : Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade; : Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade; Slap on a wide-brimmed hat : Protect your face, ears and neck; : Protect your face, ears and neck; Seek shade: Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on sunglasses: Guard your eyes against harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Pharmacist advice As temperatures are expected to reach as high as 29°C in some areas, pharmacists are advising the public to become aware of how to stay safe in the sun. For parents, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has said that is important to be sun smart and protect children's skin when they are outside enjoying the fine weather, as children's skin is very sensitive to the sun's rays. IPU head of professional services, Susan O'Dwyer said: 'It is important that the public knows how to enjoy the sun safely following common sense precautions, especially during good weather. 'Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising rapidly.' Pharmacists are reminding the public to stay hydrated, and not to deliberately try to get a tan and avoid getting sunburnt. They advise to take extra precautions if you are an outdoor worker. e.g., working outdoors is an everyday part of farming life which means farmers can be exposed to 2-3 times more UV rays from the sun compared with people who work indoors, putting them at a higher risk of skin cancer. Farmers should pay particular attention to areas of the skin which are exposed to sunlight whatever the weather, by using a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect ears, face, and neck.
The Journal
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Journal
'It's getting tougher': Hospitals failing to consistently start chemo on time
MORE PEOPLE ARE waiting longer than recommended to start vital cancer treatments in Irish public hospitals. 'It's getting tougher and tougher,' Dr Michael McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist told The Journal Investigates. 'Waiting to start curative treatment could impact the chances of being able to successfully cure cancer, or control it to maximise the quality of somebody's life.' The HSE recommends that once patients are ready for treatments like intravenous chemotherapy and immunotherapy that they should receive them within 15 working days. Hospitals have a target to treat 90% of patients within this time – about 10% can 'have more complex needs that confound or delay treatment', the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) told us. But since 2023, all but one of the public hospitals offering these life-saving treatments missed the HSE's monthly target at least once, data obtained by The Journal Investigates through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed. A shocking 10 hospitals missed the target in more than half of the months, where data was returned, between January 2023 and April 2025. That means people can be left waiting many days or weeks more than recommended for their cancer treatment. 'This is not just a delay – it can be life altering,' Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, told The Journal Investigates . It risks disease progression, it worsens survival outcomes and it inflicts deep psychological harm on patients and their families. 'That's why these figures should serve as a wake-up call to Government to provide the investment that's needed in Budget 2026.' A spokesperson for the NCCP said: 'The HSE recognises the critical importance of timely access to cancer treatment and the impact that delays can have on patients and their families.' They added: 'While this target is being met in many instances, it is acknowledged that a number of hospitals continue to experience challenges in consistently achieving this standard.' Hospitals are responsible for ensuring they meet this target, but the NCCP engages at a regional and hospital level to 'enable performance at a system level', including the identification of 'systemic barriers'. The Department of Health told us that 'Government is fully committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention, maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatments'. 'Since 2017, funding of €105 million has been invested in the National Cancer Strategy, including €23 million in 2025,' they continued. But for McCarthy, a consultant in Galway University Hospital and chair of the NCCP Medical Oncology Clinical Leads Group, 'the link between demand and resourcing has gone astray'. More and more, after he breaks the news to patients that they have cancer or that their cancer is back, he then has to tell them 'the next treatment slot is in seven weeks'. 'Psychologically, for many people to be waiting that long, is very challenging.' This was echoed by a number of people with cancer who contacted our team. Advertisement There are infrastructure deficits in day wards, according to the National Cancer Control Programme. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Support The Journal Investigates Some hospitals drastically underperforming Nationally, access to chemo and similar treatments, is taking longer. An average of 87% patients received it on time in 2023. This dropped to an average of 85% in 2024 and 84% from January to April this year. This KPI only captures new parenteral systemic therapy in a day ward setting – such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy – so does not include additional cycles of treatment. The lowest performer during that time was Letterkenny University Hospital, which never met the 90% target. Just 12% of cancer patients in Letterkenny were treated within 15 working days in 2024. But 'after significant efforts' last year, 'incremental improvements' were noted since November, according to the NCCP. The figure from January to April stands at an average of 72% treated on time. This stood at 82% in the most recent returned data, from April. Proposals have been made for 'significant investment at Letterkenny University Hospitals', a HSE West and North West spokesperson told us. That includes 'a stand-alone facility to provide ambulatory (non-inpatient) care'. They added: 'The hospital will be making every effort to secure funding and progress this significant capital development… in as expedient a manner as possible.' But three other hospitals continue to drastically underperform – Waterford, St Luke's in Kilkenny and St Luke's in Rathgar. Less than 70% of patients here, on average, started chemo on time between January and April this year. People attending St Luke's in Kilkenny fared worst in more recent times. More and more are waiting longer there each year. The KPI dropped from 84% in 2023 to just 62%, on average, in the first four months of this year. Data for South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork was not returned to the NCCP since 2023 when 86% of patients, on average, started chemo on time. Power said she was 'particularly alarmed by the regional disparities because where you live should not make a different to your cancer treatment and outcomes. It's shocking to see that it is.' 'The NCCP are aware,' a spokesperson said, 'that there are infrastructure deficits in day wards, some of which are addressed by the Capital Plan 2025.' This plan, they continued, 'outlines that progress will be made in 2025 on the design' of oncology day units at hospitals in Cavan, Tallaght, Kerry and Tullamore. From the FOI's figures, Cavan was the only hospital that always met this KPI since 2023, with 100% of patients receiving treatment on time every month. 'No single solution' A delay of four weeks in getting surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can affect a person's chances of surviving cancer, according to the Irish Cancer Society. Related Reads Cancer diagnoses could double by 2045 without urgent action, warns Irish Cancer Society Martin* from Dublin, who died from cancer in his 50s last year, was one such person impacted in this way, his family told The Journal Investigates . His brother, and best friend, said that after Martin was diagnosed, he was told that chemotherapy was needed before he could have surgery. Because of a long waiting list for treatment in his local public hospital, Martin turned to private care but 'one was as bad as the other', his brother said. It took three months to get a place on the day ward to start treatment. By that time his cancer had spread, his brother told us, and he was no longer suitable for surgery. His whole world fell apart. To improve cancer care, Power said that an extra €20 million is needed for the National Cancer Strategy. This would help to address staffing and infrastructure issues. She warned: 'It will only get worse is the government doesn't provide urgent investment.' The Department of Health told us that 2025 funding 'will support recruitment of 179 additional staff to national cancer screening and treatment services'. The spokesperson also said that capital funding has been used since 2017 'to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities'. Delivery of cancer services and developments in treatments 'have led to a significant improvement in cancer survivorship', they added. Averil Power of the Irish Cancer Society called for urgent investment in cancer services last week. Andres Poveda Andres Poveda Dr Michael McCarthy told us there is 'no single solution', but tackling three key areas would help reduce delays and improve outcomes. These are infrastructure, staffing and improving workflows in oncology units. The oncology team he is part of has worked hard on the last solution, ensuring treatment slots are used as efficiently as possible – with cancelled slots filled and treatments pre-prepared to reduce the amount of time needed per slot. The Galway team are working on a plan to open on bank holidays, which are 'a disaster', according to McCarthy, as 'you're trying to squash five days of treatments into four'. Working on weekends 'will be trickier again', but he does acknowledge that it will be part of the service in the future. The NCCP told us that 'some hospitals have already started offering services on Saturdays and bank holidays to address local capacity challenges' and is actively monitoring the impact of these initiatives. 'Any decision to implement this approach nationally would need to balance patient access, workforce sustainability and overall system capacity,' the spokesperson added. Delays predicted to get worse Cancer services are set to be under more pressure in the coming years. Last week, in the Irish Cancer Society's pre-budget submission , Power said that 'without urgent action, the number of people getting cancer in Ireland is expected to double by 2045″. The charity's submission showed that people were not only waiting for chemotherapy but also for diagnostic tests, surgery and radiation therapy. We detail how these waits are having a devastating impact on people with cancer in part two of this series McCarthy told The Journal Investigates that delays are 'a problem throughout the country' and it's 'likely to get worse'. 'Demand on our day wards is rising predictably year-on-year. We know that next year there'll probably be about a 10% increase again, and it's likely that rate of increase will continue for the next five to ten years.' Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up Part of this growth is because we have an aging and increasing population. But the main reason demand is increasing is because 'cancer treatments are more effective so people are living for longer', he explained. That means more treatments are needed over the course of their lifetimes. The other driving factor is the increasing complexity of treatments. McCarthy used the example of a new immunotherapy for head and neck cancers, set to be available in Ireland in the coming years. This more effective treatment requires around triple the current number of visits to the day ward. Dr Michael McCarthy says the current struggle to schedule treatment is set to get worse. Ray Ryan (via Dr Michael McCarthy) Ray Ryan (via Dr Michael McCarthy) This is concerning, given it's already 'a struggle' to get people booked for treatment – McCarthy's patients are often allocated a provisional waiting time of seven weeks for chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This struggle is not fully reflected in Galway University Hospital target numbers reported to the HSE, even despite their recent drop. An average of 73% of patients received treatments such as chemotherapy within 15 working days, down from 91% in 2023 and 76% in 2024. The 'only reason' the KPI is even in the 70s is because of the nurses and pharmacists working extremely hard to screen patients so they're ready for treatment and call people with last-minute cancellations, McCarthy said. The other option, if we need to start chemotherapy urgently, is to admit people to our inpatient ward. But, the oncologist said, 'that has consequences for people who need inpatient care', as beds are no longer available for them. A cancer care network for the west and northwest, to include a cancer centre at Galway University Hospital, is set to be delivered in the National Development Plan 2021-2030. The NCCP told us that 'this infrastructure development for the West North West Health Region is expected to improve dayward capacity regionally'. But to properly deal with ongoing delays, McCarthy said that staffing and infrastructure deficits have to be addressed. Though it is clear what is needed, he is not hopeful. 'How bad will it need to get before the resources become available to improve it? Do [patients] need to be waiting eight or nine weeks?' *Name has been changed The Journal Investigates Reporter / Editor: Maria Delaney • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
Irish Independent
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
HSE issues warning over sunbed use as skin cancer diagnoses rise above 11,000
The HSE has said there are 'lessons to be learnt' from Australia, where a ban on commercial sunbeds has been in place since 2016. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed every year. An event is being held by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) to discuss sunbed use in Ireland and explore future options for reducing skin cancer in Ireland "Skin cancer is a significant public health problem in Ireland,' public health specialist for the NCCP Dr Breeda Neville said. "The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure, which means that skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting your skin from the sun's UV rays and by not using sunbeds.' Skin cancer diagnoses include cases of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Selling or hiring a sunbed to anyone under 18 is already illegal in Ireland, while a mandate to 'explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use' is included in the Programme for Government. The HSE has said using a sunbed is 'never safe' and exposing the skin to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds damages skin cells, accelerates visible signs of ageing and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. 'There is a precedent for the successful banning of sunbeds. Australia introduced an outright ban on commercial sunbeds in 2016,' Craig Sinclair of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said at the event. "The measure has enjoyed strong public support and has undoubtedly prevented thousands of skin cancers and delivered an estimated saving of over AU$64 million to the Australian Health system.' The use of UV-emitting devices like sunbeds is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). An IARC study has found using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by 75pc. 'We have recently undertaken a comprehensive assessment of sunbed use in Ireland,' Minister of State for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said. "The findings will inform the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan and provide policy options to reduce skin cancer risk. The Institute of Public Health looks forward to publishing our report in the coming weeks.'
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE confirms €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west
The HSE has confirmed a €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west. HSE South West has announced the "major" investment by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to improve cancer care across the region over the next 18 months. The funding will support eight new projects and create 16.5 new healthcare jobs, including nurses, doctors and oncology support staff. The new posts include specialist nursing support for patients in the rapid access lung service, a new family breast cancer pathway, which will aid in early detection, and a new post for a regional team supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer. It will also include recruitment of a new patient support worker for breast cancer patients as well as recruitment of a senior occupational therapist and speech and language therapist to support an increased number of patients and families. HSE South West regional executive officer, Dr Andy Phillips, said the investment shows a deep commitment to improve cancer care for everyone in the region. He said: It's not just about funding - it's about compassion, care and trust. "We are building services that people can rely on during some of the most difficult times in their lives. With this support, we can offer faster diagnosis, better treatment, and more help for families and survivors. "Our teams are dedicated to delivering care with kindness and professionalism, and this funding will help us do even more for our communities," Dr Phillips said. The HSE said the investment "will bring tangible improvements to cancer services, with additional staff for early cancer diagnosis clinics and extra supports for families at risk of cancer". Additional new services will also be developed, such as the provision of special care for teenagers and young adults with cancer, and the development of personalised cancer treatment expertise. The new services will support people after their treatment ends and some of the funding will go toward the acute oncology service, helping cancer patients avoid the emergency departments. CUH clinical director of cancer services Dr Dearbhaile Collins said: 'These additional staff will support many essential services across the region. Importantly, they will provide specialised care to our adolescent and young adult patients with cancer, patients on oral anti-cancer treatments, and the ongoing care of our cancer survivors. "Furthermore, they will reinforce our family history clinics to improve early detection, rapid access clinics, bladder cancer surgical care and the crucial acute oncology services. "We are also proud to announce that one of these positions will enable the region to lead out on the national molecular tumour board programme.' Most of these new staff will be based at Cork University Hospital, with some roles located at Mercy University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. Recruitment for the new oncology staff members is progressing.
