Vol. 496 No. 7
49 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has for the future of the haematology services of the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he will give an assurance that it will continue to be fully supported by his Department in view of the considerable experience and expertise which has been built up in this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23949/98]
Paediatric haematology services are provided at four public hospitals in Ireland — Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital; University College Hospital, Galway and the Mercy Hospital, Cork.
I am very conscious of the need for high quality services for children diagnosed with leukaemia and for that reason the National Cancer Forum was asked to examine issues relating to the provision of treatment for such children and specifically to advise me on the most appropriate approach to the assessment, care planning and follow-up of cases. I am currently reviewing the National Cancer Forum's recommendations which I received in recent days. I am sure that the Deputy will agree that the overriding criterion in the consideration of issues such as this is that decisions should be based on the best objective scientific evidence available as to what will ensure a high-quality service for the patients. It is on that basis that the National Cancer Forum was asked to deliberate and make appropriate recommendations. I will be communicating my views on the matter to the hospitals concerned without delay. I will ensure that, however these services are organised, every opportunity will be offered to those with existing skills to use them for optimal patient benefit.
