Some radiation therapists are working an extra four hours a day as the staffing shortage has now reached crisis point.
Cancer patients in Cork are facing significant delays as there is a 30% workforce shortfall compared to the demand at Cork University Hospital which is resulting in fewer available treatment slots.
Radiation therapists say the true nature of the crisis is only now coming to light and has led to staff working sometimes until 10pm at night to deal with the backlog
Management at Cork University Hospital say they are involved in an ongoing recruitment campaign to address the shortage and in the short term the HSE is offering more overtime to staff.
A survey carried out by SIPTU found that 60% of radiation therapists intend to leave the profession within the next five years, with many citing excessive workloads and staff shortages.
SIPTU's John McCamley told RedFM News that it's essential that an emergency plan is put in place to deal with the staffing crisis.
"We've called on the Minister for Health and the Department of Health to put in an emergency plan to deal with the staffing crisis for radiation therapists across the country.
"If some process is not put in place we could see longer delays for patients getting treatment.
"It's essential that an emergency plan is put in place to deal with the staffing crisis for radiation therapists immediately."
