Vol. 555 No. 2
327 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals, bearing in mind that Waterford Regional Hospital has been designated a regional cancer care centre in the cancer strategy, to provide the full range of treatment services to the highest possible standard at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18383/02]
329 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children bearing in mind that Waterford Regional Hospital has been designated as one of the 13 specialist breast cancer units, if patients, having been seen in a multidisciplinary setting for breast cancer, will be forced to leave the region for chemotherapy in view of the fact that Waterford Regional Hospital has been designated basic resources for its regional chemotherapy service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18385/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 329 together.
Since 2000, €12.1 million of dedicated funding has been allocated to the SEHB specifically for the development of oncology and related services. This funding is inclusive of the 2002 allocation of €2.3 million for the continuing development of oncology-haematology services, funding for new oncology drug treatments and the continuing development of symptomatic breast disease services.
The aforementioned funding has enabled a range of oncology developments under the national cancer strategy, including new consultant appointments in key areas in the SEHB as follows: medical oncology, haematology and palliative care.
A sum of €890,000 was provided in 2001 for the South Eastern Health Board 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, with an additional €310,000 provided for post-operative services. The board has ratified the decision to centralise symptomatic breast disease services at Waterford Regional Hospital. Currently there are four consultant general surgeons with a special interest in breast surgery in the SEHB. A clinical manager for symptomatic breast disease services has been appointed at Waterford Regional Hospital.
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of services in the South Eastern Health Board is a matter for the chief executive officer of the board in the first instance. In relation to the provision of chemotherapy for individual patients, my Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate and reply to the Deputy directly.
328 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to provide quality cancer care for all citizens needing it, irrespective of income, or distance from Dublin, Cork or Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18384/02]
340 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that patients in need of chemotherapy or other forms of cancer treatment have ready access to treatments and facilities without referral to waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18396/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 340 together.
From 1997 to date, over €103 million has been invested in development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 76 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff. This level of funding far exceeds the £25 million which was initially envisaged in 1996 and is a clear indication of this Government's continued commitment to the development of co-ordinated and patient-focussed treatment in line with the national cancer strategy.
This year a total of €27.3 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services. This includes the provision of €23.55 million which was allocated between all health boards for the continuing development of oncology services, including funding for oncology drug treatments.
In relation to access to radiotherapy services, the Deputy will be aware that I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The work of the expert group will be completed shortly and will be published on completion. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the group.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a revised implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. The National Cancer Strategy 2003-2010 is currently being prepared by the national cancer forum in conjunction with my Department and will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years.
Question No. 329 answered with Question No. 327.
