Universities to increase radiation therapy training places amid staff shortages in sector

Currently, 130 people a day are delayed in getting radiation therapy, with shortages in the number of experienced staff among the most pressing issues. File picture Denis Minihane

Two universities have agreed to increase the number of places for radiation therapy training after a meeting with the minister for higher education this week heard there was a crisis in the sector.

Currently, 130 people a day are delayed in getting radiation therapy, with shortages in the number of experienced staff among the most pressing issues.

In recent days, Simon Harris attended a meeting along with radiation therapy representatives from UCC, University Hospital Galway, and Trinity College Dublin to discuss the issues.

He was told there was a radiation therapy recruitment and retention crisis, which is central to national cancer strategies.

The meeting was organised by Cork North Central TD Colm Burke, who told the Irish Examiner it came about after lengthy correspondence over the past year with the minster.

He said following the meeting, two colleges agreed to increase their training places from next year.

“There are only two colleges currently providing courses for radiation therapy,” he said. “Trinity which has 30 places and UCC which has 12 post-grad places — they have no main course. You already have to be a post-grad in there.

“As a result of the meeting, the minister said he would be meeting with the Department of Health to see how jointly they can work out a programme so that each of the colleges can increase the number of trainings places.

“Trinity said they can increase placements from 30 to 50, if additional resources are provided to them for the required number of staff, while UCC can increase from 12 to 24 on the agreement that funding would be provided. There is also a requirement for the hospitals to come on board, to be able to provide placements for trainees”.

Mr Burke said he met with the minister again after the meeting, who confirmed he has been in contact with the Department of Health to deal with the issue.

A survey conducted in February showed 88% of radiation therapists were dissatisfied with their rate of pay.

The study was part of the national review of services provided by radiation therapists using the online survey tool SurveyMonkey.

It found the current average pay of a radiation therapist was €40,037 a year while a doctor earns an average of €134,131 gross salary per year.

In a statement, the minister for higher education’s office said: “A meeting took place with Deputy Burke and representatives from Trinity, UCC and the radiation therapy profession on October 25.

“Additional college places were provided on the undergraduate Radiation Therapy programme in Trinity College in September 2023.

“The provision of graduates in these key skill areas is a priority for Minister Harris. There is regular engagement with the minister and the Department of Health in relation to workforce planning needs for the health care sector.

“The minister agreed to meet the group again in January to advance the matter."