Radiation treatment staffing fears at hospital
The chair of trade union SIPTU’s radiographers and radiation therapists branch said 26 radiation therapists are unclear of their future when their contracts finish.
“This represents a third of the total staff currently employed within the radiation therapy department of the hospital,” Michele Monahan said. “SIPTU has sought assurances from management within the hospital that these vital frontline posts will not be subject to the rigours of the moratorium on recruitment within the public service, but local management are unclear as to what will happen in only four weeks’ time.
“Radiation therapists are central to the provision of cancer treatment in Ireland. Those in St Luke’s treat over 300 patients daily. There is no way that our members within the radiation therapy unit of St’ Luke’s Hospital can continue to meet the needs of their patients, if a third of the staff members are laid off at the end of this month. Cancer patients should not have to worry that their treatment may be at risk, due to the lack of staff.”
SIPTU has written to Professor Tom Keane and Sean McGrath, national director of human resources with the Health Service Executive, about the situation and the union has requested that a solution be found immediately.
“St Luke’s Hospital is a major centre for the treatment of cancer in Ireland. Should 26 radiation therapists be laid off within the next month, waiting lists and delays in treatment will result as remaining staff will be unable to cope with the demand that will ensue,” said union branch organiser Kevin Figgis.
“We are calling for an immediate derogation from the moratorium for St Luke’s to protect these vital, frontline radiation posts.”
He added: “Anything less will jeopardise the future provision of cancer treatment within the hospital.”
