Vol. 539 No. 1
229 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospitals in the North Eastern Health Board area which have an operating unit for breast screening cancer service; the cost of operating each unit; the subsidy his Department pays in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18600/01]
As the Deputy is aware, considerable developments have taken place in cancer care and treatment since the commencement of the implementation of the national cancer strategy in 1997. To date over £60 million has been invested in developing cancer services. One of the major elements of the implementation of the strategy was the introduction of a national breast screening programme.
BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, was launched last October. Phase 1 of the programme has commenced in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Midland Health Board and North Eastern Health Board. This scheme offers free mammography to women aged between 50 and 64 years living in those areas.
At present, BreastCheck has two static units and one mobile unit. The static units are based on the campus of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and on the campus of St. Vincent's University Hospital. At present one mobile screening unit operates at a local level in country areas covered by the programme.
Symptomatic breast cancer services are being developed in the context of the recommendations of the report of the sub-group of the National Cancer Forum. The development of these services in the NEHB area will be discussed at a special health board meeting to be held in early July.
