Sinn Féin has said there is a funding crisis for Community Cancer Support Services (CCSS) like the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises the importance of CCSS’s.
The National Service Plan 2023 specifically recognises the need for further development of the CCSS network in maximising patient involvement and improving quality of life.
There is growing demand year on year for services such as the Cuisle Centre, with a 59% increase shown in 2022 alone.
Local Sinn Fein TD, Brian Stanley has called on Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Government to address the funding crisis.
“Centres such as the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise are not being funded adequately for the number of people using their services.
“Funding sources are neither reliable or providing an adequate amount, with too heavy a dependence on voluntary fundraising.
“If staff time is taken up with sourcing funding, it takes away from service delivery.
“Frontline services provided in the Cuisle Centre need sustainable funding.
“Part-time staff and volunteers cannot be expected to carry the burden of providing these frontline services.
“The Government and the HSE need to move away from piece meal funding and provide adequate and sustainable funding for Community Cancer Support Centres.
“The current situation places an unfair burden on part-time staff and volunteers who are providing services.
“I am appealing to the Government and the HSE to recognise the importance of facilities such as the Cuisle Centre and to move away from the totally unsustainable situation, where they are mainly dependant on volunteer donations and fundraising.
“I have engaged with Minister Donnelly on this issue and I am urging him to address it as a matter of urgency.”
SEE ALSO – Laois County Council called upon to act to clean up ‘dirtiest river in Ireland’
 like the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise, County Laois.){kind=link}