John Deasy
Question:22 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans the Government has to invest in cancer care here following the meeting with the South-Eastern Cancer Foundation earlier in 2002. [19124/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Since 1997 more than €103 million has been allocated to cancer services. Among other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts together with support staff. An additional sum of €29 million is being allocated in 2003 for cancer services. This investment will ensure that next year we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services in such areas as oncology/haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services.
Since 1997, €8.445 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 funding mentioned has enabled a range of oncology developments under the national cancer strategy, including new consultant appointments in key areas in the SEHB, such as medical oncology, haematology and palliative care.
As regards the provision of radiotherapy treatment, the work of the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services is at an advanced stage. The provision of additional ser vices for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the expert group. I have been advised that all health boards, including the South Eastern Health Board, have been afforded the opportunity to meet with and make submissions to the group.
In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy has identified the need for a new national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2003 is being developed by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children and will set out the key investment areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years.