Over 80% of Ireland's Radiotherapy Machines Need Immediate Replacement, Experts Warn
Over 80% of Ireland's radiotherapy machines need immediate replacement, with 12 of Dublin's 14 LINACs over 10 years old. Experts warn this impacts patient treatment and call for a national replacement program. The Irish Cancer Society highlights that 1,440 patients miss timely radiation therapy due to outdated equipment.
Cancer experts warn that over 80% of Ireland's radiotherapy machines require immediate or imminent replacement, with inadequate planning for this. The Irish Society of Radiation Oncology informed the Oireachtas Health Committee that 23 linear accelerators (LINACs) are in the public system. Aisling Barry, Chairperson of Radiation Oncology at UCC, stated that 12 of Dublin's 14 LINACs are over 10 years old, and five machines in Cork will need replacement within three to five years.
Ageing machines lead to missed, delayed, and longer treatments for patients, potentially necessitating outsourcing to private hospitals. Experts advocate for a national replacement program to ensure access to modern radiotherapy and regional equity. Dr. Barry clarified that this requires consistent funding for replacements, not additional money or staff. Radiotherapy is crucial, with up to 50% of cancer patients needing it and contributing to 40% of cancer cures.
Some machines have been in use for 18 years, with each new machine costing around €3 million. The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) reports that 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer annually, a number expected to increase. ICS Director Steve Dempsey noted that 1,440 patients will not begin radiation therapy within the recommended timeframe due to outdated, unreplaced machines creating a «postcode lottery» for access. Labour Party Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock expressed shock that Ireland, Europe's wealthiest country, has its oldest LINAC fleet.