Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1378. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the details of plans to work through the backlog of cancer diagnostics work that has been on hold due to Covid-19; the amount of additional resourcing dedicated to this area in budget 2021; and the exact processes that have restarted in terms of procedures used to diagnose cancer. [14083/21]
View answerThe National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The principles underpinning cancer care delivery during the pandemic remain key to efforts to mitigate the impact on services. These include the continuation of diagnostic services, particularly patients referred to Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) for breast, lung and prostate cancers. Hospitals have indicated that patients are being triaged in advance of their appointments, including through utilisation of virtual/telephone clinics where appropriate.
The total number of patients seen across all RACs in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249). Considering the huge impact that Covid had on attendances in March/April 2020, this represents a significant recovery. Also, GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-10 this year stand at111% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020.
The NCCP’s work with RACs continues, with a focus on ensuring that patient numbers do not fall off due to concerns about attending clinics in hospitals. The NCCP is also emphasising the importance of diagnosing cancers other than breast, lung and prostate (covered by RACs), and has emphasised to hospital CEOs the importance of maintaining access to diagnostic imaging and biopsy services.
Funding of €12m has been allocated specifically for the restoration of cancer services in the context of Covid-19. This funding will provide support packages to hospitals to address backlogs, extend clinic times, provide additional clinics, increase diagnostic capacity and provide locum/temporary support. It will also support virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and facilitate infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services.
Also, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
