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Cllr Denise Mullen: Missed Cancer Waiting Time Targets Raises Grave Concerns

Aontú Deputy Leader & Candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone, Cllr Denise Mullen, has expressed grave concern over crucial cancer waiting times in the North being missed and the impact this will have on cancer outcomes.

 

Cllr Mullen: “Early and consistent treatment is the silver bullet to beating cancer. Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, we saw unprecedented disruption, and suspension, of cancer screening and treatment services. This has cost lives and led to an increase in adverse cancer outcomes. In January of this year, it was announced that in July, August and September all cancer waiting time targets were missed out on – and missed out on badly. Months on, and sadly the picture is not much better.”

 

“The crucial target that all urgent breast cancer referrals should be seen within 14 days. In December 2021, only 43% of urgent referrals were seen by a specialist within 14 days, 38% in October 2021, and nearly 50% in October. The second crucial target missed was that 95% of patients should begin treatment within 62 days after an urgent referral from a GP. In December 2021, only 43% began treatment within 62 days following an urgent GP referral, with that figure being 41% in November and 45% in October. All these missed targets exact a human cost, and there needs to an urgent review of why targets are being so badly missed – consistently.”

By Aontú Press | 4 April, 2022



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The Irish political system is radically broken



In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.



Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.



Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.




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