Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

214 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give an assurance to all patients diagnosed with cancer in the Southern Health Board area that they will get radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment without having to go on a waiting list as is now the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of medical treatment in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I have been informed by the board that all patients who require urgent radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment are dealt with on a priority basis. In relation to chemotherapy there are no waiting lists for these services.

In relation to radiotherapy there is currently a waiting period of approximately seven weeks. This includes a period of two to three weeks during which time patients are required to attend the radiotherapy department for the purpose of planning and verification of their treatment.

The expanded radiotherapy department at the Cork University Hospital, which will incorporate two matched linear accelerators, is due to be commissioned shortly. This new development will significantly increase the capacity of the unit with a consequential reduction in waiting times for patients.