Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Screening Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

227 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available in Mayo General Hospital for women suffering from breast cancer; the number of surgeons and consultants who deal specifically with breast cancer; and if the appointments are full-time or part-time. [24418/99]

Michael Ring

Question:

228 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of women screened for breast cancer in Mayo General Hospital for each month to date in 1999; if there is a full-time position for the person carrying out the screening process; and the plans, if any, he has to increase the funding towards breast cancer detection and treatment in County Mayo. [24419/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

The provision of medical services to eligible persons in County Mayo in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand that there are full facilities at Mayo General Hospital for the treatment of breast cancer including histology, radiology and chemotherapy and a joint programme is run with St Luke's clinic for the treatment of cancer patients. I also understand an oncology nurse has recently been appointed and the hospital is in the process of setting up an oncology unit. The board also states that there are three consultant surgeons with an interest in breast surgery at the hospital.

I have asked the National Cancer Forum to advise me on the most appropriate way to develop diagnostic and treatment services for women with breast cancer. The forum is currently considering the issues involved and is expected to complete its report on the matter in the near future.

The number of patients that attended the breast clinic during 1999 to date is set out in the following table.

Month	Number attended
January	46
February	69
March	78
April	86
May	89
June	87
July	85
August	88
September	87
October	79