Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Austin Deasy

Question:

115 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide moneys for the provision of specialist cancer surgery incorporating breast and bowel cancer in addition to the necessity for a radiotherapy unit in Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14877/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I remind the Deputy that the provision of hospital services at Waterford Regional Hospital is the statutory responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance.

The reorganisation of cancer treatment and care services was outlined in the national cancer strategy, an evidence based initiative aimed at the development of high quality cancer services throughout the country. Structures were put in place to take a lead role and to co-ordinate the implementation of the national cancer strategy. Mr. Gordon Watson, Waterford Regional Hospital was appointed as regional director for cancer services in the South-Eastern Health Board area for a three year period and he was re-appointed to the post again last year. Mr. Watson also represents the regional directors on the expert working group on radiotherapy services which I established last year to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services nationally.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that since the commencement of the implementation of the cancer strategy, significant developments and improvements have taken place in cancer treatment and care services in the South-Eastern Health Board area. Five new medical consultant posts have been approved in the areas of medical oncology – two posts – palliative care, histopathology and haematology. In addition, two specialist consultant surgery posts in the area of breast surgery have been approved, with a third general surgery post approved to facilitate this work. A replacement post of gastrointestinal surgery has also been approved for the South-Eastern Health Board Area.

The provision of radiotherapy services at Waterford Regional Hospital will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group on radiotherapy services previously mentioned. I understand that the work of this group is at an advanced stage and that it will report in the coming months.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 93.