A survey of radiation therapists has found that cancer services in both public and private hospitals are facing a crisis a looming staffing crisis.
SIPTU conducted the survey which revealed that most respondents say they intend to leave the profession within the next five years.
Radiation therapy is used to treat around half of cancer cases and staffing issues in the service will have a knock-on effect on treatment waiting times.
Cancer patients at Cork University Hospital are already facing delays in their treatment with the Irish Cancer Society saying that nationally around seven in ten cancer patients are getting treatment on time.
Management at CUH say they're involved in an ongoing recruitment campaign to address the shortage of staff.
Speaking to RedFM News SIPTU's John McCamley says the sustainability of the service is under threat unless a coherent plan is not put in place to recruit and retain staff.
"We've called on the Minister for Health and the Department of Health to put in an emergency plan to deal with the staffing crisis for radiation therapists across the country.
"If some process s not put in place, we could see longer delays for patients and treatment.
"It's essential an emergency plan is put in place to deal with the staffing crisis for radiation therapists immediately."
