Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2005
57 Mr. English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans she wishes to consider or undertake to further centralise cancer treatment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4262/05]
View answer86 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to guarantee the important role of small hospitals in respect of cancer treatment arising from recent reports; when sanction will be given to a dedicated oncology unit at Waterford Regional Hospital. [4162/05]
View answerI propose to answer Questions Nos. 57 and 86 together.
The 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 cancer services in the coming years.
I recognise the importance of further developing regional oncology services consistent with best patient outcomes in line with international standards. Oncology services in all regions have experienced significant development and expansion in recent years. Since 1997, there has been a cumulative investment of over €720 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This includes the sum of €23.5 million, including €11.5 million for radiation oncology services, which will be provided this year to ensure that we continue to address increasing demands for cancer services throughout the country.
The provision of cancer services at Waterford Regional Hospital is now a matter for the Health Services Executive. I understand that a draft planning brief for further developments at Waterford Regional Hospital is being considered in the context of the capital investment framework 2005 to 2009. Cumulative funding of approximately €55 million has been allocated since 1997 in the development of cancer services in the south eastern area. This funding has enabled the appointment of an additional ten consultant posts in key areas of cancer care, including three consultant medical oncologists, and has resulted in significant benefits for cancer patients in the region.
The national cancer forum is currently finalising a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed in the spring. The forum has concluded that the current fragmented arrangements for the delivery of cancer services cannot be recommended to deliver best quality cancer care. The new strategy will have regard to the multi-faceted aspects of cancer control. The key priority in the development of improved cancer care is that cancer patients will have access to multidisciplinary care to ensure optimum treatment and best outcomes. The strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on health promotion, screening and early detection, cancer treatment services, genetics, supportive care, research and survivorship.
