Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 6

Written Answers - Radiotherapy Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

24 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by the Mid-Western Health Board to establish a radiotherapy service in the region by way of a public private partnership between the board, the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust and the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin; if his attention has also been drawn to the fact that about 1,500 people in the region are diagnosed with cancer each year, to the long waiting lists for patients awaiting radiotherapy services, and that patients in the mid-west, particularly patients with terminal illness who require radiotherapy to ease their pain and suffering must travel to Dublin or Cork for radiotherapy treatment and sometimes spend six weeks away from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6703/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

An expert review group on radiotherapy services was established to examine the appropriate future development of radiotherapy services. All health boards, including the MWHB, have been afforded the opportunity to meet and make submissions to the group.

My Department is examining the MWHB's proposal. Such consideration will be informed by the report of the expert group on radiotherapy services.

Since 1997 there has been an unprecedented level of investment in cancer services. Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy a cumulative figure of €400 million has been invested in the development of cancer services. This investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts, together with support staff in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, palliative care, histopathology and haematology throughout the country. The benefit of this investment is reflected in the significant increase in activity which has occurred. For example, the number of new patients receiving radiotherapy treatment has increased from 2,402 in 1994 to 3,809 in 2000. This means that an additional 1,407 are accessing these services, representing an increase of 58% nationally.

The work of the expert review group on radiotherapy services is currently in the final stages of drafting and is due to be submitted to me shortly. The provision of additional radiotherapy services will be considered in the context of its report. Following its consideration proposals will be submitted to Government for consideration.