N writes:

My mother received this letter from the Oncology Department in Cork [South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital] during her chemotherapy session yesterday. The letter informed patients that the on-call telephone line for patients has been cut due to inadequate staffing members. The patients were advised to attend A&E if they so required. This line is imperative as chemotherapy patients are at risk of an allergic reaction to their treatment. This happened to my own mother on one occasion. By asking patients to go to A&E they are increasing the risk of contracting an infection as chemotherapy seriously damages your immune system. The letter also says that patients should be able to explain their chemotherapy to staff in A&E. If you are having a severe allergic reaction it would be nearly impossible to explain your treatment. This is a disgraceful cut to most vulnerable in society, cancer patients.