Vol. 549 No. 1
113 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he intends to take to address the regional inequality exposed in the recent National Cancer Registry report which showed that 39% of patients nationally have radiotherapy for breast cancer whereas only 24% of those living in the Western Health Board Area benefit. [5853/02]
I have been advised by the Western Health Board that work commenced in October last on the development of the radiotherapy unit at University College Hospital Galway. The expected completion date for the construction work is mid 2003.
A sum of €1.27 million was provided in 2001 to the WHB for the development of symptomatic breast disease services in line with the recommendations of the report of the sub-group on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease. In November 2001, following extensive consultations with the board, my Department issued financial clearance for the posts of consultant general surgeon with a special interest in breast cancer, consultant radiologist with a special interest in breast cancer and consultant histopathologist with a special interest in breast cancer, with sessional splits between University College Hospital Galway and Mayo General Hospital.
As the Deputy is aware, I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services here. The work of the group is at an advanced stage. I have been advised that all health boards, including the WHB, are being afforded the opportunity to meet the group. It is not possible to give an exact date for the group's report because of the importance and complexity of its work. However, it is anticipated that its work will be completed shortly.
