Capacity of Mayo oncology unit 'cannot meet demands of cancer patients'

The capacity in the oncology day ward at Mayo University Hospital cannot meet the current demand for the service.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said there are 10 treatment chairs that can have a turnover of up to 30 patients on any given day.

She said: "This contributes to long delays for patients waiting treatment. The current staffing levels do not meet the demand for patient complexity.

"Those on maternity leave and long-term sick leave have not been replaced.

"There is only one toilet for all those patients. The lack of space and overcrowding is intolerable and risky.

"Why are we forcing staff and patients to wait for hours to have their treatment?" she asked.