20 percent of consultant posts are not filled,
An oncologist is warning recent disruption to cancer diagnosis and treatment could increase mortality for "next decade".
Professor Seamus O'Reilly says 73 additional consultant oncologists will be needed to meet demand on services.
Prior to Covid-19, cancer diagnoses were increasing by 5 percent per year.
Seamus O'Reilly, Consultant Oncologist at Cork University Hospital says delays to diagnosis could mean worse outcomes for some patients:
🚨 Consultant medical oncologist Professor Seamus O’Reilly @Seamusoreilly18 has warned that disruption to diagnosis and treatment due to the #Covid19 pandemic could increase cancer mortality for the ‘next decade’. #CareCantWait @StephenDonnelly@davidcullinane pic.twitter.com/ovj2JW2FRF
— IHCA (@IHCA_IE) May 25, 2021
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association 20 percent of consultant posts are not filled, meaning patients have to wait longer for treatment.
Professor O'Reilly, says the recent cyber-attack has made catching up on the backlog more difficult:

Department Of Housing Shifts Blame On To Council As Kildare Families Priced Out Of "Affordable" Housing Again
Outbreak Of Bird Flu Has Been Confirmed In Carlow Turkey Flock
Lidl To Open Country’s First Net Zero Energy Store In Maynooth This Thursday
Contract For Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Project Awarded To Company Based In Kilcullen
Policy Shift Allows Private Sector To Construct Wastewater Plants For New Housing
Parents Invited To Take Part In Major Survey On Primary Education’s Future
New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council
Minister Lawless Sought Legal Advice Over Claims Apprentice Electricians Bought Exam Papers For €50