GP referrals to cancer clinics jumped in 2021, making up for pandemic gap in services

Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín urged the Government to fully re-open cancer services as soon as possible. File picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

GP referrals to rapid access clinics for cancer shot up this year as doctors played catch-up on care missed during the pandemic, new figures show.

Referrals up to April 25 this year stand at 126% of the same weeks in 2019. Reflecting the lockdowns, they stand at 153% of activity for the early part of last year, according to figures released by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.