I am committed to providing a high quality range of services in relation to breast cancer. At present, urgent appointments for mammograms are normally seen within a few days of referral. The criteria for urgent cases include the existence of a breast lump, previous family history of breast cancer and other factors which indicate a high risk of breast cancer.
Women with no symptoms, or who otherwise do not give cause for immediate concern as an urgent case, are seen as quickly as possible but must be subject to careful prioritisation by the appropriate medical personnel. In view of the demands placed upon mammography services, some hospitals may refer women to their general practitioner for a further assessment of priority. Where a woman is concerned about the length of time that she has to wait for a mammogram, she can ask her general practitioner to discuss her case with a consultant radiologist, who decides upon the priority of cases. I must emphasise that hospitals review their caseload regularly so that women with an urgent cause for concern are seen without delay.
In addition to providing mammograph services, I am committed to introducing a national breast screening programme which will be aimed at detecting breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Phase one of the programme comprises the Eastern, Midland and North-Eastern Health Board areas. I am pleased to report that advertisements for the necessary consultant and support staff for the programme were recently placed. I will be making the necessary funding available for these staff which comprise six consultant radiologists, two surgeons, two histopatholocists, one epidemiologist, 14 radiographers, two specialist breast care nurses, one physicist and a number of administrative and support staff.
I have already approved funding of £2 million to date to cover start-up costs and capital equipment. In addition, I approved a grant of £1.035 million towards the refurbishment of facilities at the Mater Hospital as a screening and assessment unit and as the headquarters of the programme. I also approved a grant of £897,750 towards the construction of screening unit facilities at St. Vincent's Hospital. I am confident that the funding I have provided will help us to continue developing our breast cancer services so that mortality rates from this disease are reduced.
