Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
107 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the development of a private radiation oncology unit on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital, in view of the launch of the private radiation oncology development in Limerick Regional Hospital; the support she is willing to offer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31767/04]
View answerThe Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients throughout Ireland. To this end, we will provide considerable investment in radiation oncology facilities in the coming years. The Government in its decision last year on radiotherapy services remained open to the provision of a satellite radiation oncology unit in Waterford. We are determined to deliver enhanced services for the whole population as soon as possible. There is unanimity about the urgent need for significantly enhanced services in the major population centres of Dublin, Cork and Galway. I will keep the question of networked satellite locations under active review.
The immediate developments in Cork and Galway will result in the provision of an additional five linear accelerators. Five additional consultant radiation oncologists are being recruited for this service. These developments will significantly improve access to radiotherapy for patients in the south east and throughout the country. In relation to the Dublin area, six hospitals have now submitted proposals for the development of radiation oncology services. I will be advised by the chief medical officer of my Department on the location of radiation oncology services in the eastern region and by other experts in the area. The chief medical officer will be assisted by a panel of international experts in this regard. The international panel will visit Dublin the week beginning 13 December 2004 and it is expected that it will complete its work by the end of the year.
As recommended in the report on the development of radiation oncology services, the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has been established. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographic regions. The group's remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services, including transport and accommodation. The group is expected to develop proposals in these important areas. It will also advise on quality assurance protocols and guidelines for the referral of public patients to private facilities.
The national radiation oncology co-ordinating group is currently developing a national Telesynergy® network for radiation oncology services. The South-Eastern Health Board has advised the Department that a Telesynergy® system should be installed in Waterford Regional Hospital. Arrangements are now being made to install this technology at the hospital which will enable the hospital to develop improved linkages with Cork University Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin and reduce patient and consultant travel time.
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected date for the bringing into commission of each of the unopened facilities in regard to the announcement of 14 September 2004; if the health boards have been provided with the resources to recruit the appropriate staff for these units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31556/04]
View answerMy Department issued approval on 21 September 2004 to the chief executive officers of the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the commissioning of a large number of new acute hospital facilities around the country. The commissioning of the new units is under way. The health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority have informed my Department that the units will be brought into operation on a phased basis over the remainder of 2004 and mainly in the first half of 2005.
