A recent investigation has revealed that Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) had the worst performance in Ireland last year concerning cancer treatment targets.
Only 12% of cancer patients at LUH received treatment within the recommended 15-working-day timeframe.
This figure consistently fell below the 90% benchmark established by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
Reports from February also indicated that cancer patients at Letterkenny waited 50% longer than patients at any other hospital in the HSE West and North West Region.
Earlier this year, a series of protests, spearheaded by Inishowen resident Roseena Toner Doherty, brought hundreds together to advocate for improvements to cancer treatment facilities at Letterkenny University Hospital.
The hospital administration states they are actively working to improve the situation, citing increased demand for cancer services as a contributing factor.
According to the HSE, the LUH Haematology / Oncology Day Ward faces significant challenges in meeting the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets for Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) start times.
Short-term efforts to bolster capacity at LUH have included the addition of more treatment bays as an extension to the day ward on the in-patient floor.
These efforts have shown promising results in recent months, with Q1 2025 showing improvements in KPIs. In March and April 2025, 79% of patients received
their SACT within the KPI.
A HSE spokesperson noted that “personal choice and medical reasons accounted for the outliers.”
A statement released by the HSE clarifies: “Typically, the goal is to initiate systemic therapy, including chemotherapy, within 4 – 8 weeks following surgery. However, various factors can contribute to longer wait times for chemotherapy after surgery, including ensuring adequate patient recovery and fitness for treatment. This is crucial for optimizing patient response to treatment. Research has not demonstrated improved outcomes with earlier treatment post-surgery, and the priority remains on the patient’s recovery.”
HSE West and North West is moving forward with a capital plan for the region, including proposals for substantial investment at LUH.
The HSE is currently developing a business case for a new, standalone Ambulatory Care Centre in Letterkenny. This facility is planned to provide outpatient services, including expanded cancer care capacity (Haematology Oncology Day Unit, Symptomatic Breast Cancer Unit), an Ambulatory Urology Facility, and additional diagnostic and surgical services. This project aligns with the strategic vision for the Letterkenny University Hospital campus, with clinical health planning already underway.
“Clinical health planning studies have commenced for LUH, and this standalone facility will align with the strategic vision of the follow on Development Control Plan (DCP) for the campus,” the statement said.
“The hospital is committed to securing funding and expediting this significant capital development on the LUH campus in the most efficient manner possible.”
Just 12% of cancer patients treated within target timeframe at LUH in 2024 was last modified: July 7th, 2025 by
