SIPTU are warning the Government must urgently increase the number of third-level places for radiation therapy or the country will face a major crisis.
The union say major staffing deficits in radiation therapists is having a knock-on effect on patient waiting times and leaving vital equipment idle, including in CUH.
Almost half of people with a cancer diagnosis need radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
Speaking to RedFM News, SIPTU Sector Organiser, John McCamley says Radiation Therapists perform a unique role:
"A radiographer is someone who takes x-rays so a Radiation Therapist is completely different grade. There are very few of them in the country - around 350. They're the only people who have the legal authority to administer radiation for radiation therapy treatment. So they're absolutely vital because they're such a small grade. They do get mixed up with other grades. People tend to think they're either radiographers or nurses but they're a separate grade - it's a four year degree".
