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SINN Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has called on the government to invest in Haematology Services in University Hospital Kerry.
Deputy Daly says he has been hearing from patients and hospital staff about deficiencies in Haematology services in the hospital.
“Before the Dáil broke in July, I raised the issue of paediatric oncology services asking for better coordination around care, and more haematology and oncology services to be facilitated in UHK,” said Deputy Daly.
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“Many of these patients already feel unwell and travel to Cork University Hospital (CUH) or further afield which places unnecessary stress and financial burden on families. I was informed that the current model was working well for patients, with the appropriate level of care being provided.
“Since then, I have discussed the lack of haematology services further with patients and medical staff and it is clear that the HSE must address these by investing in three key areas.
“Establish a Haematology Day Ward in UHK to enhance patient care locally. To facilitate this, ten spaces that provide the requisite beds or chair, and associated sinks and waste receptacles, are required.
“Patients with blood cancers should be treated in UHK. These patients, and any patient undergoing systemic treatment, will require multiple visits at scheduled intervals over weeks and months. It is reasonable to expect that these patients are treated closer to home.”
“An ‘Isolator’ is required to ensure that chemotherapy products are prepared and dispensed in a sterile environment. Presently, I am informed that the Isolator in CUH is inoperable for a fortnight which has resulted in essential treatments being deferred. The provision of an Isolator in UHK would enable CUH and UHK to work together and load balance.”
“There is an urgent need to recruit laboratory staff. At the moment there is a Rota of 1 in 5 for Haematology staff, while the recommended Rota is 1 in 10. Staff are burnt out and there is no recovery period.”
“The recruitment of staff is critical as sources in the health service tell me that laboratories must be accredited by INAB (Irish National Accreditation Board). I am informed, for example, that bone marrow cannot be tested in UHK due to the time consuming nature of the process and the lack of staff. If accreditation is lost, then major services such as maternity, surgery, acute medical care and A&E cannot go ahead. This would compromise UHK’s Model 3 status.
“Two Consultant Haematologists have been hired but this is not enough and more staff is needed, which the Union has also been calling for. Government must address this under-investment in UHK and ensure that the appropriate level of care is truly available not only in Kerry, but in the South / South West region,” said Deputy Daly.
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