Patients in Drogheda, County Louth, are experiencing delays in accessing chemotherapy treatment, according to newly released data. The figures indicate that individuals in the region are waiting longer than those in many other parts of Ireland to begin this critical cancer care.
Data released to Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne by the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals that in 2025, 17 percent of patients in Drogheda did not receive chemotherapy within the recommended timeframe of 15 working days. This places Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, the primary facility serving the area, 16th out of 25 hospitals nationwide that provide chemotherapy services. This represents stark data, and it should be a wake-up call for the minister and the government,
stated Deputy Byrne.
The delays translate to approximately 67 individuals in Drogheda facing significant waits for chemotherapy in 2025. This is part of a broader national trend, with hospitals across the country struggling to meet their targets for initiating chemotherapy promptly. The Irish Cancer Society has highlighted that these delays are not merely inconvenient; they can have a direct impact on patient outcomes.
The issue of cancer care delays extends beyond chemotherapy wait times. Recent reports indicate concerns regarding delays in accessing urgent breast and prostate cancer tests, as well as radiotherapy treatment. The Irish Cancer Society points to shortages of staff, physical space, and necessary equipment as contributing factors to these challenges. The organization emphasizes that the current situation represents a shocking postcode lottery
in Irish cancer care, where a patient’s location can significantly influence the speed with which they receive potentially life-saving treatment.
Research published in the British Medical Journal underscores the seriousness of these delays. The study found that each four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10 percent. This finding reinforces the urgency of addressing the systemic issues contributing to these wait times. Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, stated that Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer. A person’s chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4.
The delays are particularly concerning given projections for the future. Ireland already has the third highest rate of cancer mortality in Western Europe, and the number of cancer diagnoses is expected to double by 2045. Without significant investment in cancer services, the situation is likely to worsen.
The Irish Times editorialized on the issue July 13, 2025, describing the delays in access to essential cancer diagnostics and treatments – including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and urgent tests – as unacceptable
. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among healthcare professionals and patient advocates regarding the persistent challenges within the Irish cancer care system.
The Irish Cancer Society is calling for increased investment in Budget 2026, specifically targeting cancer staff, buildings, and equipment. The goal is to ensure that hospitals can meet the target waiting times established in the National Cancer Strategy. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial not only for improving patient outcomes but also for reducing the anxiety and uncertainty faced by individuals and families affected by cancer.
The situation in Drogheda highlights a critical need for a comprehensive review of cancer services across Ireland. While the dedication of healthcare staff is acknowledged, systemic issues are clearly hindering their ability to provide timely and effective care. The data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing cancer care and investing in the resources necessary to ensure that all patients have access to prompt and appropriate treatment.
The longer wait times also raise equity concerns, as individuals with the financial means to seek private care may be able to bypass the public system and receive treatment more quickly. This creates a two-tiered system where access to potentially life-saving care is determined by socioeconomic status.
As the Irish healthcare system continues to grapple with these challenges, ongoing monitoring of cancer performance data and a commitment to transparent reporting will be essential. The experiences of patients in Drogheda serve as a powerful illustration of the urgent need for sustained investment and systemic reform to ensure that all individuals have access to timely and effective cancer care.
