Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Cancer Services.

Peadar Clohessy

Question:

163 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health if the implications of his cancer plan in respect of the treatment of cancer patients between three general hospitals (details supplied) in the Midland Health Board region will result in these hospitals being treated as one unit with different specialities in each centre, as recommended in the Scharr report; if the lead centre for the treatment of breast cancer and the oncology unit will continue to operate from Portlaoise, County Laois, as the regional centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8364/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Further to the report on “Cancer Services in Ireland: A National Strategy”, a regional director has recently been appointed for cancer services in the Midland Health Board. The regional director will audit and review existing cancer services and prepare a plan for future developments.

The regional director will proceed in consultation with the staff of all the acute hospitals in preparing the plan and the Scharr report will be considered as part of this process. It is intended that the plan will be submitted to the board for approval in due course.