Our Approach
About us
The Cancer Patients Association of Ireland strongly believe that cancer patients and their families throughout Ireland are being limited and hindered in their treatment and recovery due to the issues outlined below.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advocate for the care and support of cancer patients, their families and carers.
Our Story
Meet the Team
Mary Skehan
Cancer Survivor - Chairperson of CPAI
Mary is a cancer survivor and represents our country at the Rare Cancers Working Group (ECPC) in Brussels where she is vice-chair.
Michael McNamara
Human Rights Solicitor
Michael is a support centre volunteer, whose guidance is invaluable to patients nationally.
Michael Leahy
Cancer Survivor & Retired Nurse
Michael is a cancer survivor and retired from a long career in nursing, Michael has a keen interest in developments in patient services.
Lindsay Walsh
Cancer Survivor & fundraiser
Lindsay is a patient advocate with a strong interest in breast cancer.
Next Steps...
We seek clarification on the following issues
1. A medical card should be allocated to all cancer patients from the time of their diagnosis, with annual review. On completion of their cancer treatment, each person's care needs and personal circumstances should be assessed to ensure each person receives the care and support they need to make as full a recovery from their cancer as possible.
2. When a cancer patient requires emergency care, the ambulance service should be directed to transport the person to the hospital where they are receiving their cancer care e.g. If a person living in Clare is being treated for cancer in one of the Galway hospitals and needs emergency care, the ambulance service should be directed to transport the person to the hospital where they are receiving their cancer care in Galway. Current service transports them to Limerick.
3. Cancer care services should communicate regularly with their patients Primary Care Team and in particular the GP and Community Nursing Service to ensure people receive appropriate care and support when they are undergoing cancer treatments
4. Cancer patients should not go through A & E when needing medical attention. They should be admitted directly to the oncology department/ward. (Cancer patients when they spike a temperature have to return to the hospital when undergoing chemo and are currently being put through A & E where there are many with infections etc. )
5. It should be in the charter of every hospital that a patient can have a second opinion without fear of retribution.
6. Parking: One free parking pass be given to each patient during their hospital treatment.
7. The €75 hospital daily rate charge be waived for cancer patients during treatment.
8. We will be approaching the health care companies to provide ambulance services for their private patients when a patient wishes to be home for end of life care.
9. Lympodema is an issue for many cancer patients which needs to be addressed as current care is insuffcient.