Cancer specialists have cautioned that more than 80% of Ireland’s radiotherapy equipment requires urgent or near-term replacement, with minimal or no concrete plans currently in place to address the issue.
They warned that outdated machines have a direct effect on patients, as malfunctions can lead to missed radiation sessions, postponed care, and extended treatment durations, reports RTE.
There may also be a requirement to refer patients to private hospitals for treatment.
The Irish Society of Radiation Oncology informed the Oireachtas Committee on Health that Ireland’s public healthcare system currently operates 23 linear accelerators used to deliver radiotherapy, reports RTE.
Aisling Barry, Chair of Radiation Oncology at UCC, stated that 12 out of 14 LINAC machines in Dublin have surpassed their expected 10-year lifespan.
She also noted that five machines in Cork are expected to need replacement within the next three to five years, reports RTE.
Cancer specialists are urging the introduction of a coordinated national replacement plan to guarantee access to safe, up-to-date radiotherapy services and ensure equal availability across regions.
Dr Barry explained to the committee that implementing such a plan would not necessarily require additional funding or staffing, but rather a consistent rolling budget already needed for equipment renewal, reports RTE.
She highlighted that as many as half of all cancer patients will need radiotherapy at some stage during their illness.
Radiotherapy contributes to around 40% of cancer cures, either as a primary treatment or alongside other therapies, reports RTE.
The hearing was told that some machines have been in operation for up to 18 years, while the price of a new unit is approximately €3 million.
The Irish Cancer Society told the committee that it frequently hears from the public about challenges in accessing cancer testing and treatment within appropriate timeframes, reports RTE.
Steve Dempsey, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Irish Cancer Society, said that 44,000 people receive a cancer diagnosis annually, with this figure expected to increase.
He added that 1,440 patients will not begin radiation therapy within the recommended period, reports RTE.
Mr Dempsey further stated that many patients are affected by a postcode lottery, as ageing machines across the country are not replaced promptly when they become outdated.
He pointed out that some machines remain in use for as long as 18 years, reports RTE.
Labour Party Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock said she was “gobsmacked” to learn that Ireland has the oldest fleet of linear accelerators in Europe, despite being the continent’s wealthiest nation, reports RTE.
She added that this revelation would instil fear among patients, though it does not reflect on the dedication of staff who continue to deliver care using outdated equipment, reports RTE.
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