LUH cancer treatment start times hit 95% target compliance

Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) has achieved a 95% compliance rate for starting systemic anti‑cancer therapy (SACT) within the national 15‑working‑day target.

The KPI, which measures the interval between a patient being deemed ready for an injectable or intravenous treatment and the actual start in a day ward, has remained above the 90% national target throughout 2026. LUH recorded 100% compliance in February and May.

This marks a stark improvement from 2024, when only 12% of eligible patients met the same target, and follows earlier delays in 2025 as the hospital faced rising demand and capacity pressures.

At the Regional Health Forum, Councillor Gerry McMonagle welcomed the figures, describing them as “very good news” and noting the work of a dedicated working group that was set up to improve SACT start times.

Further expansion is planned: LUH has secured approval for a new Haematology Oncology Day Unit with 15 additional treatment chairs and replacement of 15 existing chairs. The HSE has submitted a Strategic Health Investment Framework and is working with Estates on the development, while a separate bid to extend day‑ward opening hours has been resubmitted.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: gorden murah surabaya / Pexels.