Campaigners warn that prolonged waits for cancer and heart scans are putting lives at risk, as patients in Ireland and the UK endure unprecedented backlogs.
Healthcare systems in both Ireland and the UK are under intense scrutiny as waiting lists for diagnostic scans reach crisis levels. In Ireland, unpublished National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) data shows more than 46,000 patients have been waiting over 18 months for scans that could detect serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease MSN gov.ie. In the UK, NHS England reports over 7.6 million people on elective care waiting lists, with thousands enduring similar long delays for diagnostics British Medical Association Full Fact.
Human Toll of Delays
Patients and campaigners describe the situation as “unacceptable.” One cancer survivor in Ireland explained: “Every extra day matters. It’s hard to articulate how anxious waiting can make you, it’s unbearable. You’re thinking this is growing all the time, it’s inside me and it’s growing.” The testimony reflects the profound psychological strain caused by prolonged uncertainty, alongside the risk of worsening medical outcomes.
Ireland’s Struggle
Irish parliamentary debates have highlighted the scale of the backlog, with opposition figures pressing the government for urgent reforms Houses of the Oireachtas KildareStreet.com. The Department of Health acknowledges that waiting times far exceed the Sláintecare targets of 10 weeks for outpatient appointments and 12 weeks for inpatient procedures gov.ie. Campaigners argue that underinvestment in diagnostic infrastructure and staffing shortages are driving the crisis.
UK’s Parallel Crisis
In the UK, the British Medical Association (BMA) warns that demand for hospital treatment has consistently outstripped capacity, even before the pandemic British Medical Association. Cancer Research UK notes that diagnostic bottlenecks are undermining targets for timely cancer treatment, with many patients waiting far beyond the recommended two‑week referral period Cancer Research UK. NHS England admits the system is “approaching its limit” as winter pressures and industrial action compound the backlog NHS England.
Calls for Reform
Across both countries, health leaders and patient groups are demanding structural investment in staff, equipment, and diagnostic capacity. In Ireland, campaigners urge the government to expand NTPF resources and accelerate reforms. In the UK, proposals include allowing GPs to directly refer patients for hospital tests and expanding partnerships with private providers to ease pressure.
Outlook
The parallel crises in Ireland and the UK highlight a shared challenge: ensuring timely access to diagnostics in overstretched health systems. Without decisive action, experts warn that delays will continue to cost lives, deepen inequalities, and erode public trust in healthcare.
