Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:
129
Mr. Kehoe
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
when radiotherapy services will finally be provided in the south east; when the review by the expert group on the subject will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17560/03]
As the Deputy is aware, I established the expert working group on radiation oncology services in 2000 to examine and advise me on the appropriate future development of radiation oncology services nationally. The group comprised a multidisciplinary team of experts in radiation oncology, surgical oncology, nursing, epidemiology and palliative care. The group conducted a national assessment of needs for radiotherapy services, having regard to the demography and epidemiology of cancer and the gaps in current service provision.
The report addresses the following key issues: access to radiotherapy services in terms of information, financial access and organisational components of access; the need to provide a high quality, evidence based service; the need to take account of current and new developments in health technology; the requirements of the system in terms of human resources; international norms in respect of service provision, planning and staffing; and the organisational development of the services in terms of structures and processes which need to be in place in a radiotherapy facility.
All health boards, including the South Eastern Health Board, have been afforded the opportunity to meet with and make submissions on a number of occasions to the group. On completion by the expert group, the report was submitted to me on 24 April 2003. Given the significance attached to this report and its implications for the development of radiation oncology services nationally, it is necessary for me to submit the report to Government. I advised the Dáil of my intentions in this regard on 7 May 2003. It is also necessary that there be consultation at interdepartmental level, including with the Department of Finance, prior to consideration by Government. It is anticipated that the report will be considered by Government shortly, after which it will be published.
I accept that the significant under-capacity in radiation oncology which exists at present represents a major challenge for the health services. In this regard, I met with a delegation from Waterford city and county councils last week and outlined the key principles which inform the group's deliberations and the priorities for the development of radiation oncology services. These include: the need to develop the backbone of the service initially around major treatment centres as quickly as possible; adequate throughput and caseload is essential to deliver quality care; and equity of access is essential to ensure that patients receive treatment on the basis of clinical need and regardless of geographical location. In the context of the initial development of major centres, provision will be made to ensure equitable access through a number of mechanisms, including improved transport and accommodation.
With regard to cancer services generally, there has been considerable investment in the development of oncology services and symptomatic breast disease services in the South Eastern Health Board. Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy in 1997, an additional cumulative sum of approximately €30 million has been allocated to the South Eastern Health Board for the development of cancer services. This level of investment has enabled the approval of ten additional consultant posts in the South Eastern Health Board in key areas such as medical oncology, surgery, radiology and haematology. This level of investment in the south-eastern region has delivered significant benefits to cancer patients and their families.
