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Almost 90% of urgent breast cancer referrals to Letterkenny not seen within target time
🇮🇪 Ireland /Health & Science

Almost 90% of urgent breast cancer referrals to Letterkenny not seen within target time

From Irish Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Almost 90% of urgent breast cancer referrals to Letterkenny University Hospital in April missed the two-week target for initial consultation.
  • The hospital's West and North West region had the poorest performance nationally, with only 11.8% of urgent cases seen on time in April.
  • Consultant vacancies and the cessation of an 'insourcing' initiative are cited as reasons for the delays, though a new consultant is expected soon.

Letterkenny University Hospital is facing significant delays in seeing urgent breast cancer referrals, with nearly 90% of patients in April not being seen within the HSE's target of two weeks. This falls drastically short of the 95% target aimed at ensuring early detection, reducing patient anxiety, and improving survival rates. The HSE figures reveal a concerning trend, particularly in the West and North West region, which encompasses Donegal and surrounding counties.

significant increase in the numbers of patients breaching urgent colonoscopy and breast targets

— Internal risk assessment reportThe report warned of the consequences of ending the insourcing initiative on waiting lists for critical procedures.

In April, this region recorded the lowest compliance rate nationally, with only 11.8% of urgent cases meeting the two-week timeframe. This represents a sharp decline from previous months, with Letterkenny University Hospital itself seeing its compliance rate drop from 81.9% in January to a mere 6.5% in February and 6.6% in March, before a slight increase to 11.8% in April. Nationally, while 75.2% of urgent cases were seen within two weeks in the first four months of the year, this remains well below the desired 95% target.

significant risk of unintended harm to patients

— Internal risk assessment reportThe report highlighted the potential danger to patients resulting from the abrupt termination of the insourcing program.

An internal risk assessment highlighted potential impacts on breast assessments due to the cessation of an 'insourcing' initiative, where private companies used HSE facilities after hours to clear waiting lists. The report warned of a "significant increase in the numbers of patients breaching urgent colonoscopy and breast targets" and a "significant risk of unintended harm to patients" from abruptly ending this program.

remains an ongoing challenge due to consultant vacancies

— HSE West and North West spokeswomanThe spokeswoman explained the difficulties in meeting breast service targets, citing a lack of available consultants.

A spokeswoman for the HSE West and North West region acknowledged that consultant vacancies are a persistent challenge for the breast service. She confirmed delays in recruiting a second consultant breast surgeon for Letterkenny hospital but noted that a locum has accepted the position and is expected to start on August 19th. The HSE stated that the waiting list will be addressed immediately upon their arrival.

Once in situ, the breast waiting list will be immediately addressed

— HSE West and North West spokeswomanThe spokeswoman assured that the breast cancer waiting list would be prioritized once a new consultant surgeon begins.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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