Vol. 495 No. 4
239 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has in relation to developing services at the breast cancer care clinic in St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; the waiting times for patients attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20416/98]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that as part of phase 1 of the national breast screening programme, St. Vincent's Hospital was selected as one of the two central units for the screening, assessment and treatment of women. I am committed to providing the necessary resources to facilitate the commencement of the national programme and to this end I have recently approved funding of £897,750 towards the construction of screening unit facilities at St. Vincent's Hospital. The programme will commence at the earliest date.
The Deputy will already be aware that the existing breast clinic at St. Vincent's is due to be completely upgraded as part of phase one of the £50 million general redevelopment programme approved for the hospital. Planning work on this development is at an advanced stage.
I am informed by the hospital management that waiting times for an appointment at the breast clinic are approximately seven to eight weeks. The hospital stresses, however, that general practitioners can request an appointment at the next clinic for patients whom they classify as urgent.
The level of activity at the breast clinic at St. Vincent's Hospital has been steadily increasing in recent years and the hospital is continuing to put measures in place in order to maintain and improve services for patients. In terms of improving appointment schedules the majority of new patients now attend the morning clinic, as they may require access to diagnostic facilities on the same day. The majority of return patients are now seen in the afternoon. In addition, the hospital is continuing to operate specialist nurse-led clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The hospital has also introduced a new computerised appointment system and has appointed an additional senior administrative officer who acts as liaison officer to improve patient services.
I am confident that this package of developments will impact favourably on the level and quality of services for women attending the clinic.
