A stand-alone oncology unit at University Hospital Kerry must be delivered as a matter of priority, a Kerry TD has insisted.

Commenting on a response he received to a parliamentary question, Deputy Pa Daly said the continued failure to deliver a stand-alone oncology and haematology unit is totally unacceptable.

"The interim oncology unit is no longer fit for purpose. Over the past decade, the demand for this type of treatment has risen sharply.

"Moreover, there has been significant innovation in the treatment options available. The service at UHK must evolve to reflect this," he said.

Deputy Daly said while he recognises that when the current facility delivered in 2023 it did increase capacity somewhat, the fact remain that this only addressed immediate needs and there are many other issues that can only be addressed by a stand-alone unit.

"In a response to a parliamentary question I posed to the minister, it appears the project is in limbo and nothing can be progressed.

"Patients and families at UHK deserve nothing less than the highest standard of care. The minimum they should be entitled to are oncology services that are at least equivalent to those in other counties," the Kerry TD stated.

He said it would not only ensure sufficient capacity to respond to the increased demand for services, it would future-proof it by meeting the long term projected growth in cancer patient numbers.

It could also provide a more extensive range of treatments including innovative therapies like immunotherapy.

"All of this would help to ensure better patient care and hopefully improved outcomes for patients and their families.

"I am calling on the HSE and the four government and government supporting TDs in Kerry to prioritise the delivery of the stand-alone unit without delay," Deputy Daly insisted.