Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
280. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand cancer services here including additional investment in oncology day wards, operating theatres, community diagnostics, elective only hospitals and a comprehensive cancer centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/20]
View answerThe way forward in relation to the development of cancer services is set out in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Improvements in cancer services will be achieved on an incremental basis over the period of the Strategy. This will involve a mix of current and capital initiatives.
Improvements in oncology day wards, as well as in community diagnostics for cancer patients, will be addressed in this context. The Strategy commits to the development of a Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre by the end of the Strategy period, and such development is included in the National Development Plan 2018-2027. Investment in operating theatres would be considered in the context of the wider health needs. The National Development Plan 2018-2027 also outlines that new dedicated ambulatory/elective-only hospital facilities will be delivered to tackle waiting lists for scheduled care procedures. This work is being directed through Sláintecare by the Elective Hospitals Oversight Group.
Meanwhile, he HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is assessing the capacity needs of cancer services in the coming period in view of the Covid pandemic as part of the overall Capacity Plan being prepared by the HSE.
