A Donegal TD is calling on the government to provide the funding necessary to deal with the backlog in cancer screening.
Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in a drop in screenings and preventative measures for a variety of conditions.
Donegal Independent TD Thomas Pringle says there needs to be immediate recruitment and reorganisation of outpatients and inpatient systems in hospitals to that more patients can be seen and a return to pre-Covid screening levels.
He was speaking in favour of a Sinn Fein motion in the Dail.
It’s feared up to 244 people with suspected lung cancer symptoms did not seek treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Irish Cancer Society found referrals from GPs to rapid access clinics are down by 27 percent.
The charity believes confusion over symptoms and a fear of accessing healthcare are the reasons why people might not be getting medical advice for their symptoms.
