Seán Ryan
Question:143 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the staffing levels available at the breast clinic in Ennis General Hospital, specifically in relation to the operation of the mammography machine. [25334/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Seán Ryan
Question:144 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding being allocated in 2002 for the development of the centre of excellence for cancer care at Limerick Regional Hospital. [25335/02]
Seán Ryan
Question:145 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a consultant will be appointed to the symptomatic breast clinic in Limerick Regional Hospital. [25336/02]
Seán Ryan
Question:146 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the mammography machine was replaced at Ennis General Hospital. [25337/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 to 146, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, staffing levels at Ennis General Hospital are a matter for the MidWestern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply to him directly in this regard.
In relation to funding for cancer services in the Mid-Western area, since 1996, €8.25 million of dedicated funding has been allocated to the Mid-Western Health Board specifically for the development of cancer services, including the development of symptomatic breast disease services. This funding is inclusive of the 2002 allocation of €2 million for the continuing development of oncology-haematology services, funding for new oncology drug treatments and the continuing development of symptomatic breast disease services. An additional sum of €29 million is being provided for cancer services across all health boards in 2003, including dedicated funding for symptomatic breast disease services.
The Mid-Western Health Board formally adopted a report on the development of symptomatic breast disease services for the region in December 2000. The Mid-Western Health Board has agreed to develop its symptomatic services at Limerick Regional Hospital. Referral to the clinic allows rapid access to a consultant surgeon, mammography and rapid processing of results. A weekly multi-disciplinary meeting is attended by all relevant members of the team. My Department has recently issued approval to the Mid-Western Health Board for the appointment of a consultant general surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery. In addition, two breast care nurses have been appointed to Limerick Regional Hospital.
In relation to the mammography machine at Ennis General Hospital, the Mid-Western Health Board advised my Department in 2001 that the mammography equipment required to be replaced in order to maintain the service at the hospital. The new mammography unit in Ennis General Hospital was officially opened on 1 March 2002.