Lack of cancer services puts women at risk

THE members of Cork Older Women’s Network wish to voice our extreme concern regarding the current oncology service being provided by the Health Service Executive (Southern Region).

Since its foundation 27 years ago, Cork University Hospital has never had a seven-day ward despite cancer being the second highest cause of death in Cork and Kerry.

This suggests a grave oversight in planning.

Furthermore, there are only two oncologists when four are needed, and there is no provision for breast check or a free cervical cancer-screening programme.

This significant lack of resources leaves us vulnerable in terms of being able to access prompt, local and appropriate care. We seek urgent action from the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, in this matter.

Mary Morrissey (on behalf of Cork Older Women’s Network)

c/o Ballyphehane/Togher CDP

Lower Friars Walk

Ballyphehane

Cork.