Increase in student places for radiation therapy will ensure essential cancer treatment happens – Burke

The HSE will fund additional radiation practice tutor posts, which will enable University College Cork (UCC) and Trinity College Dublin to increase the numbers on their radiation therapy courses, said a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Colm Burke said “At present, there is a 30% shortfall in radiation therapists across the country and as a result, four machines, which are extremely expensive, are not being used, which has caused delays in cancer treatments.

“Radiation therapists work at the coalface of cancer care and are the chief point of contact for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

“Currently, there are only 42 places available to study radiation therapy in Ireland, 30 of these are at Trinity College Dublin, and just 12 are available at UCC.

“This move will increase places in UCC from 12 to 24 and Trinity from 30 to 50, ensuring more people can follow the career path they want, and more people will get the treatment they need.

“This is a really positive step towards improving cancer care in this country. In 2023 I organised a meeting with then Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, officials from Trinity and UCC, and radiation therapists from Cork, Dublin and Galway. I have continued to lobby on the issue over the last 18 months.

“The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) predicts that radiation therapy will be required in 60% of all cancer cases, making it an essential component of most cancer treatment.

“I have consistently called for the number of training places for radiation therapists to be increased, so it’s fantastic to see this will happen.

 “Having only 42 places available was totally insufficient for the demand. These dedicated professionals perform work that is both physically and emotionally challenging, and its so important they get the support they need so they can continue to practice right here in Ireland.

“The announcement of additional practice tutors will mean we can better meet the challenges of cancer care and reduce delays. I wish to commend An Tánaiste Simon Harris for his work bringing this issue to the fore, as well as all those providing this crucial care for our cancer patients”, concluded Deputy Burke.