HSE Won't Reveal Hospitals Impacted By Chemotherapy Delays, Fearing Public "Panic"

Ray Noctor, a man whose wife was impacted by delays in her chemotherapy treatment, said people only panic when they are "not getting news or updates".

The HSE won't reveal the names of nine hospitals impacted by chemotherapy supply issues because it believes it will make the public "panic".

Kfm, which revealed details of the delays last week, has resubmitted a request for the list of hospitals impacted, arguing that is in the public interest.

Ray Noctor, a man whose wife was impacted by delays in her chemotherapy treatment, said people only panic when they are not getting news or updates, particularly around their health.

He said: "People panic when there is no news. They are relying on oncologists to tell them everything. The HSE have issued no letters or updates to patients - nothing."

He said it is vital that cancer patients know what is going on with their treatment plans.

Since last Friday, Kfm has sent numerous emails requesting a full list of the hospitals impacted.

We have been informed that the list won't be released as HSE chiefs think it will make people panic.

We have also been told by the HSE that hospitals, where possible, have been advised to implement contingency plans.

Ray Noctor said that's "not good enough".

He said patients need to be informed and that panic will only set in when people have "no updates".

Kfm has resubmitted a request to the HSE for a full list of the hospitals impacted, citing public interest.

The HSE has been aware of the issue since July 31st after it was informed by health care company, Baxter, that it is experiencing issues with chemotherapy supplies.

A spokesperson for the HSE said the impact on patients will not be known "subsequent to the resolution of the capacity issue".

The Irish Cancer Society has called for a "full explanation".

Meanwhile,  the Irish Cancer Society is urgently seeking Kildare-based volunteer drivers to help bring cancer patients to and from their treatments.

Volunteer drivers located in the county are being sought to drive patients who are undergoing cancer treatment to and from hospital.

The Irish Cancer Society Transport Service helps to ease the strain of travel on cancer patients, who often find it hard to get to and from hospital because of transportation costs or they might not be feeling well enough to drive themselves because of their treatment.

This service is completely free for patients.

Last year, the Irish Cancer Society provided over 1,600 journeys for cancer patients in Kildare and over 22,000 journeys nationwide.

The Volunteer Driver role is weekdays only and drivers will need access to their own car and be able to commit a full two days each month to the Service.

Volunteer Drivers receive expenses from the Irish Cancer Society to pay for their fuel costs, road tolls and food while waiting for the patient.

Irish Cancer Society volunteer driver, Brendan O’Donnell from Naas, said his younger brother passed away as a result of cancer and this role enables him to give back in a little way.

“I would encourage anyone considering becoming a Volunteer Driver, to grab the opportunity with both hands. You will meet very interesting and different people of all ages who will enrich your life in ways you never knew," he said.

He added: “This role enables people to reach their treatment in a safe and timely manner, saving them the stress and cost of having to use public transport or relying too much on family/friends that may need to take time off work to bring them to treatment."

More information about applying for a Volunteer Driver role can be found at http://www.cancer.ie/volunteer-driver-service or by emailing volunteer@irishcancer.ie