A Kerry TD has expressed concern over reports of delays in University Hospital Kerry's radiology department.
Sinn Féin's Pa Daly claims that, over the past 18 months, he's been contacted by constituents weekly with concerns about delays in accessing healthcare in Kerry.
UHK recently said investment has greatly improved patient flow, bed capacity and patient support in the hospital.
Deputy Pa Daly says any healthcare need that is withheld or delayed is concerning, but most concerning would be delays to diagnosing or treating serious illnesses.
He says Radio Kerry reports show a lack of clerical resources in UHK to clear a backlog of patient referrals is affecting adult and paediatric patients, many of whom are also cancer patients.
Earlier this week, Radio Kerry reported the concerns of a radiologist in the hospital.
Dr Martin Schranz, a consultant in radiology in the hospital, said work outsourcing, clerical backlogs, staff departures and a lack of engagement are contributing to delays in patients receiving proper care.
UHK said that, aside from the short period as a result of the cyber-attack, there have been no delays with getting patients' details on the internal system.
The Sinn Féin TD says in June he wrote to the CEO of the South/South West Hospital Group, who referred his queries to UHK; he's yet to receive an answer.
Deputy Daly says the answer to a lack of resources cannot be to pay a private hospital to clear backlogs.
He adds now is the time to stop outsourcing public funds to private resources and phase out the reliance on charities to raise funds for equipment in public hospitals.
Deputy Pa Daly says that, in the last three days alone, he's spoken to people who've either had extremely long delays in A&E, had difficulty contacting medical teams about family members or are experiencing long waiting lists for treatment.
