Some radiation therapists work an extra four hours a day due to staffing shortfall

A new overtime rate of “around €40 per hour” was recently agreed but radiation therapists say salary increases would be a more effective way to retain staff. File picture

A radiation therapist has sounded the alarm about the future provision of the vital cancer treatment amid a 30% shortfall in staffing.

While a new training course at University College Cork saw its first radiation therapy graduates snapped up by hospitals, there are still significant gaps in the workforce. One radiation therapist, who wishes to remain anonymous, said there is a “lack of awareness” of the pressures they are under.