Urgent Action Needed as 46,000 Patients Face 18-Month Scan Delays

URGENT UPDATE: Over 46,000 patients in Ireland are facing an alarming wait of more than 18 months for essential medical scans, according to unpublished data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). These delays could be critical in diagnosing serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease, prompting immediate calls for action from health advocates and officials.

The data reveals a staggering total of 299,736 individuals are currently on waiting lists for crucial scans, with some patients waiting up to 18 months or more. This situation has been described as “unacceptable” by healthcare advocates, who stress that every day counts when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. One cancer survivor, Miriam Staunton, expressed the anxiety that accompanies prolonged waits: “Every extra day matters… it’s unbearable.”

Data collected from April to June 2025 highlights the regional disparities in wait times. In the HSE Dublin and Southeast region alone, 9,980 patients have been waiting over 18 months, while 7,762 patients are in similar situations in the HSE Midwest. In Cork and Kerry, 1,474 patients are also waiting far too long for scans.

Advocates are urging the government to invest in additional diagnostic machinery and staff to alleviate the backlog. Steve Dempsey, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Irish Cancer Society, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “In the first six months of 2025, seven in ten people were waiting more than three months for an MRI. This is unacceptable.” He referenced UK research indicating that a four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%.

The crisis extends to children as well, with 1,530 children reported to be waiting longer than 18 months for scans, although the Irish Cancer Society stated it has not identified delays specific to childhood cancer scans. This only heightens the urgency for immediate intervention.

The data also revealed concerning issues with diagnostic machines, with some hospitals operating equipment that is beyond its serviceable lifespan. Reports indicate that 12 hospitals are experiencing staff shortages, with some facilities outsourcing CT scan reporting. One hospital is limited to operating its CT scanners only once a week.

Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane condemned the situation as “shocking,” asserting that it reflects the government’s failure to deliver timely healthcare. He emphasized the need for a national plan to address the crisis, calling for “more scanners, longer opening hours, and more radiographers and radiologists to run them.”

In response to the outcry, the Department of Health acknowledged that diagnostics are a priority within its national development plan, with a budget allocation of €9.25 billion for 2026 to 2030. A spokesperson confirmed that the NTPF data is being validated and that the fund continues its work to ensure equitable access to scans.

The HSE is also pursuing ambitious targets for increasing diagnostic activity and reducing waiting times, with plans to prioritize access to scans in upcoming budgets. As the health crisis escalates, the demand for immediate action has never been more critical.

With the stakes so high, officials and advocates alike stress the need for urgent improvements in the healthcare system. As the numbers of waiting patients continue to grow, the pressure is mounting on the government to act swiftly and decisively.