Vol. 524 No. 2
247 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children when the free prosthesis service for women with breast cancer will be made available in light of the recent launch of the new booklet, Living with Breast Surgery, and an article in the autumn edition of An Bord Altranais News; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21885/00]
As the Deputy may be aware, I have received the report of the sub group of the National Cancer Forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease. I have considered this report and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad thrust of its recommendations. However, I feel some further refinement is needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard, I recently established an advisory group chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. The report recommends that "At least two breast care nurses be available per 100 cancer patients to counsel and offer practical advice and emotional support to newly diagnosed patients, discuss treatment options with them and provide a prosthetic service.". This issue will be pursued in the context of the overall implementation of the report on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease.
