Laois cancer services 'funding crisis' as demand continues to grow

A Laois TD says underfunding is impacting local cancer services which are experiencing a growth in demand.

 Brian Stanley is calling on Minister Donnelly and Government to address what he called the “funding crisis” for Community Cancer Support Services (CCSS) like the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise.

“Centres such as the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise are not being funded adequately for the number of people using their services. Funding sources are neither reliable or providing an adequate amount, with too heavy a dependence on voluntary fundraising. If staff time is taken up with sourcing funding, it takes away from service delivery.’’

“Frontline services provided in the Cuisle Centre need sustainable funding. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises the importance of CCSS’s. Indeed, the National Service Plan 2023 specifically recognises the need for further development of the CCSE network in the context of maximising patient involvement and improving quality of life.’’

“There is growing demand year on year for services like the Cuisle Centre. In 2022 this increased by 59%,” he said. 

“Part-time staff and volunteers cannot be expected to carry the burden of providing these frontline services. The Government and the HSE need to move away from piecemeal funding and provide adequate and sustainable funding for Community Cancer Support Centres. The current situation places an unfair burden on part-time staff and volunteers who are providing services,’ said Deputy Stanley.

Free IVF treatment 'transformative' says Laois Minister

“I am appealing to the Government and the HSE to recognise the importance of facilities such as the Cuisle Centre and to move away from the totally unsustainable situation, where they are mainly dependent on volunteer donations and fundraising,” he said. 

“I have engaged with Minister Donnelly on this issue and I am urging him to address it as a matter of urgency,’’ added Deputy Stanley.