Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Brendan Smith

Question:

137 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to provide additional cancer treatment services in the North Eastern Health Board area; if further consideration will be given to the need to provide such services at Cavan General Hospital further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 57 and 69 of 5 April 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21395/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of cancer treatment services at Cavan General Hospital is the statutory responsibility of the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

The Deputy will be aware that one of the specific objectives of the national cancer strategy is to ensure that all patients have access to an equitable, effective service with a uniformly high quality of care, wherever they live.

The North Eastern Health Board has informed me of the following recent devel opments and improvements in cancer treatment services at Cavan General Hospital. A consultant oncologist and a palliative care consultant have been approved for the North Eastern Health Board area, with a sessional commitment to Cavan General Hospital. Furthermore, I have been informed that £100,000 has been allocated in 2000 for additional drug costs and £19,000 has been allocated in 2000 for equipment in the pathology department at Cavan General Hospital. Equipment at a cost of £30,000 has also been provided to assist palliative care services in the community.