Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
198 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients referred for radiotherapy to St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin and the Regional Hospital, Galway from Letterkenny General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25819/06]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal, social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
200 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to provide cancer services for Letterkenny General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25821/06]
View answerI am fully committed to the development of high quality and quality assured cancer care for all patients regardless of geography. The most important thing for patients is getting the best treatment. Outcomes for patients is what drives our policy and investment in cancer care. This objective is shared by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is reflected in the Executive's National Service Plan, 2006.
There has been significant investment in cancer care in the North West since 1997. Additional medical consultants have been appointed in the region in key areas of cancer care, including medical oncology, palliative care, histopathology, haematology and surgery. Over twenty cancer care nurse specialists have been appointed and there was a 25% increase in oncology day case activity in 2005. Last May I officially opened an 11 bed oncology ward at Letterkenny General Hospital. The development is supported by an oncology day case area, breast care suite and a clean air pharmaceutical preparation room.
Last Friday the HSE concluded its review of options for the future provision of breast care services for Donegal. This review was based on the commitment to develop a sustainable model for the provision of high quality accessible services for Donegal patients. The HSE has decided to proceed with the provision of breast care services within a framework that merges the Regional Breast Care Unit at University College Hospital Galway with that at Letterkenny General Hospital. This will allow for a managed clinical network to be established, operating to defined standards and protocols for symptomatic breast disease service. The network will allow for the service in Letterkenny to be developed in a manner that is consistent with the objectives of the National Cancer Control Strategy. It will be quality assured by appropriate review and audit systems. This decision marks a significant development for breast services and will establish the first review and audit driven service nationally.
