Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
102 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck and symptomatic breast services will be available to women in the Western Health Board area; the estimated cost of having the service provided; the time projections for the service being operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25842/04]
View answerThe national roll-out of the BreastCheck programme to remaining counties is a major priority in the development of cancer services. This will ensure that all women in the 50 to 64 age group throughout the country have access to breast screening and follow up treatment where required. A capital investment of approximately €20 million has been approved to construct and equip two static clinical units, one at South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork and the other at University College Hospital, Galway. This investment will also ensure that mobile units are available to screen women in the relevant age group in the Western Health Board area. BreastCheck, the Western Health Board and my Department are fully committed to an expeditious approach to the national roll-out of the programme and representatives met recently to progress the design process.
The report on the development of cancer services for symptomatic breast disease recommended the development of a limited number of specialist units. Considerable investment and progress has been made in implementing the recommendations with most of the units now operational or at an advanced stage of development. The symptomatic breast service unit for the Western Health Board is at University College Hospital, Galway with outreach facilities at Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar.
Any woman irrespective of her age or residence who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic breast services in her area.
