Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

85 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he is taking to alleviate the hardship being caused in relation to the Children's Hospital in Leukaemia Drive at the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght (details supplied); the decision, if any, he is taking to phase down this service; if so, the reason in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6518/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I am pleased to allay any fears of parents of paediatric haematology patients undergoing treatment at the National Childrens Hospital at Tallaght.

I recently accepted a recommendation by the National Cancer Forum that all childhood cases of leukaemia should be referred for initial assessment to the specialist paediatric oncology unit at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. This was taken on the basis of best international practice. It arose from a recommendation to me from the forum, an expert body which advises me on the implementation of the national cancer strategy and related matters.

I must emphasise that the only change to current practice will be that newly diagnosed cases will be referred for initial assessment and treatment planning in Crumlin. This does not mean that all cases would necessarily have to be treated in Crumlin. After the initial assessment, subsequent treatment, including chemotherapy, may then be delivered in the child's most appropriate local hospital, on a clearly defined and agreed share care basis, subject to proper supervision.

I recently met with representatives from Children's Hospital in Leukaemia Drive and I reassured them that there would be no transfer of resources, whether equipment or staff, from the new unit at Tallaght. The decision made regarding cancer treatment will also not affect current services being provided for children at Tallaght.

My Department has written to the Chairman of the National Children's Hospital setting out my desire for a structured collaboration between the three Dublin children's hospitals. In this context, I feel that it should now be possible to develop a positive agenda for improvement of paediatric services to which each hospital can subscribe.

I would again emphasise that primacy must be given to the best interests of our sick children, including those requiring oncology and haematology services.