Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
657. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason for the suspension of screening services for breast and ovarian cancer at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35734/18]
View answer871. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the status of the screening service at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, for women at a high risk of developing breast cancer; if this service is suspended due to funding issues for new diagnostic machines; the measures in place to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36484/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 871 together.
St James’s Hospital, as a designated cancer centre, runs a Rapid Access Clinic for Symptomatic Breast Disease.
In parallel with the Rapid Access Breast Clinic, a Familial Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service at St. James’s Hospital has evolved to provide a clinical service to women who are considered to be at a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Due to increased referral rates to the Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic, as well as to the ‘family risk’ clinic, the hospital is currently prioritising the symptomatic patients to ensure that a quality, timely and sustainable service is available to them. This has resulted in the suspension of the family risk service, other than for urgent cases.
One of the hospital’s two mammography machines which was at end of life has recently been replaced. A third machine is on order and will be available in the coming months. Capacity for mammography has been a major part of the challenge in meeting demand for breast services in St James's.
The intention is to restore the Familial Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service in St James's as soon as possible and, indeed, to build a programme for hereditary cancers in designated cancer centres over the coming years.
