On 19th June, Fine Gael members in the Seanad brought forward a motion calling for continued investment and monitoring of the National Cancer Strategy. Some of the debate centred on the need to recruit and retain Radiation Therapists, who deliver a core component of cancer care.
SIPTU has long been calling for the recruitment and retention of Radiation Therapists to be addressed. The Union has pointed out that recent employment census data has demonstrated that Radiation Therapists have not been recruited to the extent required to maintain and extend services. SIPTU representatives have highlighted the need to address the staffing crisis through the progression of the radiation therapy review and the need for a comprehensive strategy for retaining experienced staff.
The Union also wants to see an expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate places to increase recruitment of Radiation Therapists as well as support for students during clinical placement.
Minister of State at the Department of Health, Colm Burke, was in the Seanad chamber to respond to some of the issues raised as part of the debate, advising the chamber that the Department was seeking to advance the issue of the recruitment of Radiation Therapists.
SIPTU activist and Radiation Therapist, Deborah Kelleher, has said that not enough focus is being placed on the need to recruit Radiation Therapists without delay.
Kelleher said: “Despite submitting a proposal on the increase of student numbers at Trinity College Dublin from an annual intake of 30-50 in November 2023, the Department of Health has refused as of 1st July of this year, to sanction funding for six practice tutor posts in radiation therapy at TCD. The Bacon Report (2001) indicates a ratio of one practice tutor for every twenty students studying the health and social care professions. Currently, radiation therapy has 1.5 practice tutors for one hundred and twenty students. The refusal to fund more practice tutor posts means no increase in student places, and the continued closure of cancer treatment machines.
“Radiation therapy seems to be bottom of the priority list for the Department of Health” Ms Kelleher concluded.
SIPTU will be keeping a close eye on developments in this area; and continue to campaign for more staff to ensure full implementation of the National Cancer Strategy.