Batt O'Keeffe
Question:56 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide funding for the purchase of a remote afterloading suite for Cork University Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients. [9503/96]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Facilities.
Limerick East): During 1994, a submission was made to the Department of Health for the establishment of a high dose remote afterloading suite, and for a dedicated chemotherapy day unit. Since then, the Department's hospital planning office has been working closely with the board to ensure that, in drawing up its proposals, the necessary technical and radiological requirements are being complied with.
There is unanimous agreement among clinicians at Cork University Hospital that the development of a high dose remote afterloading suite is essential. This view is supported by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The afterloading suite will consist of an area for anaesthetising patients, a theatre for the procedure of implanting applicators, a recovery area and a treatment area with full radiation protection for staff to remotely operate the radioactive sources.
I was pleased, therefore, to be in a position recently to give the go-ahead for the establishment of a design team to develop the brief for this project. Once the technical appraisal has been completed it is proposed to put in place the necessary funds to proceed with this capital development.