Vol. 483 No. 3
223 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to provide funding for an after loading treatment unit in the Radiotherapy Department of Cork University Hospital; the cost of providing this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20406/97]
224 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients, if any, who have to travel from Cork University Hospital to Dublin each month in order to receive radiotherapy treatment; the reason, if any, for this occurence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20407/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together. A design team has been appointed and plans are currently being prepared for a significant expansion of cancer treatment facilities at Cork University Hospital. These plans include the provision of an afterloading suite. The precise cost of building and equipping this facility is yet to be determined but is expected to be finalised in the near future as the work of the design team develops.
Patients travel from Cork University Hospital to St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin for remote after-loading brachytherapy. The number of patients who travel varies but over the past few months the number has not exceeded 4 per month.
When the expansion of cancer treatment services at Cork University Hospital has been completed this will eliminate the need for patients to travel to Dublin for radiotherapy treatment.
