I thank you for the opportunity to raise an extremely urgent matter relating to the treatment of cancer patients at University Hospital, Cork. The staff are risking their health by handling radioactive material while treating cancer patients. This issue is a source of concern not only to staff and patients but to everyone connected with the hospital and must be addressed immediately by the Minister.
Approximately 12 people including radiotherapists, nurses and hall porters are unnecessarily exposed to radiation because of the non-availability of a remote after loading machine in the hospital. The threat to staff is extremely serious and has been declared unacceptable by a leading radiotherapy consultant in the hospital. The method employed results in a forceps being used to place radioactive material in cancer patients. While the radiation levels are not particularly high, radiation has a cumulative quality and builds up in the body over the years. A safe involvement is imperative for staff working in the hospital. In allowing this method of treatment continue, the Minister and the Southern Health Board may be in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
The Minister is unfair to University Hospital, Cork and its staff in not providing a remote after loading machine and a suite to go with it. There are two of these machines in Dublin hospitals. Why is there not equity in the delivery of health services in other parts of the country, particularly at University Hospital, Cork? I understand the machine costs approximately £400,000. A voluntary group has raised significant funds to help to provide this machine and the suite. Why is it that the Southern Health Board or the Minister has not taken up this option to secure the safety of its staff and patients?
Patients are at risk. We need positive action. We need a comprehensive cancer treatment unit which would consist of a second linear accelerator, the immediate appointment of a medical oncologist and a suite for the after loading machine. I draw the Minister's attention to the comment of a health board spokesperson who said that the exposure to radiation was unsatisfactory and the form of manual treatment was not ideal. I also refer the Minister to a spokesperson for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, a monitoring body, who said he was concerned that staff at University Hospital, Cork, were still being exposed to radiation. While this is not a political issue it is a serious health matter that must be addressed immediately. I know the Minister is concerned about patients and staff and that he wants to deliver an efficient, effective and safe health service. Therefore, I ask him to ensure this deficiency is rectified in the University Hospital.
