Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
127. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if breast reconstruction is considered an integral part of the breast care plan and not just a cosmetic procedure; if not the reason; his plans to introduce a breast reconstruction nurse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38613/14]
View answerBreast cancer diagnostic and surgical services are carried out in the eight designated cancer centres (plus an outreach service in Letterkenny General Hospital).
Breast cancer patients may have immediate breast reconstruction carried out at the time of breast cancer surgery and for these patients there is no significant waiting time. For other patients, it may be necessary to carry out reconstructive surgery at a later time.
Symptomatic breast disease units in the designated cancer centres are staffed with multidisciplinary teams including breast care nurses. The introduction of a breast reconstruction nurse has not been identified at this time.
