Claims oncology patients turned away at Galway hospital

By TOM GILMORE JUST a week after a man from North Galway was turned away when he sought treatment at a Dublin hospital, Galway Co Councillor Colm Keaveney claims that up to 14 oncology patients had scheduled treatments deferred at University Hospital, Galway so far this week.[private] 'For some of those patients it is the second time in recent weeks that they had treatment deferred and this is not good enough. 'I have people on chemotherapy pleading with me to intervene for them and it is most unfair that they have to endure being turned away due to significant bed shortages at UHG,' says Cllr Keaveney. Earlier this month Cllr Keaveney raised the plight of a woman from North Galway who was turned away from the hospital and had her scheduled admission cancelled, because of severe overcrowding at one of the oncology wards. 'Some of the people that had their treatments deferred this week were also from the North Galway area and they came to me in sheer frustration. 'I am not blaming the staff but the problem is with the system which is obviously crumbling due to the Government cut-backs,' he added. Earlier this year UHG put new procedures in place to have a specific number of beds set aside for oncology patients and to ensure that those requiring treatment for cancer did not have to go through the Accident and Emergency Department. But according to Cllr Keaveney many families have been experiencing delays and deferrals. He claims the situation is getting worse rather than better. The Tuam Herald contacted the HSE West about the claims, which were made by Cllr Keaveney late yesterday evening. But at the time of going to press on Tuesday night no statement was available from the health authority regarding the claims made by the Tuam area councillor.[/private]