Mixed messages in latest UHW cancer treatment figures
Serious concerns have been raised on the wait time for anti-cancer treatment in the hospital, as UHW remains below compliance levels.
Recent cancer treatment figures from University Hospital Waterford (UHW) show remarkably strong performance in radiotherapy services, but serious concerns with anti-cancer treatment wait times and timely breast cancer surgery reporting.
The figures, which cover both the first and second quarters of 2026, were provided by the National Cancer Control Programme in response to Parliamentary Questions raised by Sinn Féin spokesperson on health and Waterford TD, Deputy David Cullinane.
The new figures show that although the national target for radical radiotherapy treatment is 90%, UHW recorded 99.3% compliance in Q1 2026 and 98.8% in Q2, 2026, which Deputy Cullinane said was an "exceptionally strong performance", adding that the staff involved deserve a huge credit.
Serious concerns have been raised on the wait time for anti-cancer treatment in the hospital however, as UHW remains below compliance levels.
The operational target for new patients to begin anti-cancer medicines within 15 working days of being deemed ready is set at 90%.
UHW, however, recorded just 63% compliance in Q1 this year. Compliance did improve drastically over the last few months, reaching 78% in Q2, but has remained below the 90% target for some time.
This has been a "persistent problem" at UHW, Deputy Cullinane explained, as figures from the same periods last year recorded 63% and 66% compliance.
"While the improvement to 78% is welcome, there is still a significant gap that needs to be closed," he said.
"There is also a worrying gap in the breast cancer surgery information."
Deputy Cullinane also highlighted a "worrying gap" in breast cancer surgery information from UHW, where no compliance records have been returned for this year.
In the first quarter of 2025, 87.1% compliance was recorded and 81% compliance in the second quarter, but records for Q1 and Q2 for this year have not been returned.
"That needs an explanation," said Deputy Cullinane.
We should have timely information showing whether cancer treatment targets are being met," he added.
He went on to comment: "We have a radiotherapy service delivering some of the best results in the country, which shows what can be achieved, but we also have systemic cancer treatment remaining significantly below target and important gaps in the information available for breast cancer surgery.
“For patients, these are not just statistics. A cancer diagnosis brings enormous worry for a person and their family. They need certainty that when they are ready for treatment, the staff and capacity will be there to provide it.
“I will be seeking answers from the HSE on the reasons Waterford’s systemic anti-cancer treatment target is not being met and what additional staffing or capacity is required.
“Where Waterford is performing exceptionally well, we should recognise that. Where targets are being missed, we need a clear plan to fix the problem and make sure patients get timely care.”
