Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

117 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the locations of the proposed the centres of excellence for cancer treatment; if Waterford Regional Hospital will be one of the locations; the extent of the funding for each location; the range of expertise which will be available to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3287/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The development of centres of excellence for cancer treatment is being progressed in line with the recommendations contained in the national cancer strategy. The previous national cancer forum considered appropriate developments for a number of specialist areas of cancer care and treatment and established working groups to review these areas. In this context, the forum reviewed symptomatic breast cancer services. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have allocated £4.315 million this year to six health agencies to enable the development of centres of excellence to commence. Waterford Regional Hospital is one of the locations involved. The details of funding allocated under the national cancer strategy in the current year are set out in the following table.

The forum also established an expert working group to review radiotherapy services. The work of this group is ongoing and it is expected that it will report by the middle of this year.I am committed to the further development of cancer ser vices to ensure those who develop this disease receive the most appropriate, safest and most effective treatment.

National Cancer Strategy Funding 2001

	ERHA	Midland Health Board	Mid Western Health Board	North Eastern Health Board	North Western Health Board	South Eastern Health Board	Southern Health Board	Western Health Board	Total
Drug Costs	2,500,00	300,000	500,000	445,000	300,000	700,000	700,000	700,000	6,145,000
Oncology/HaematologyDevelopment	2,000,000	400,000	500,000	400,000	499,000	600,000	700,000 (includ. £350,000to Mercy)	600,000	5,499,000
Symptomatic Breast Disease	915,000	500,000		200,000		700,000	800,000	1,000,000	4,315,000
Prosthesis	85,000	10,000	15,000	15,000	15,000	25,000	35,000	35,000	235,000
Counselling andSupport	100,000(includ.£50,000 toBarrettstowngang camp)	30,000	30,000	30,000	30,000	30,000	50,000	50,000	350,000
Radiotherapy	200,000						400,000		600,000
Regional DirectorDiscretionaryFunding	300,000	150,000	150,000	150,000	150,000	150,000	150,000	150,000	1,350,000
Nurse Education	50,000								50,000
Special Advisor	5,000								5,000
Total	6,155,000	1,390,000	1,195,000	1,240,000	994,000	2,205,000	2,835,000	2,535,000	18,549,000