Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
946. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out an assessment of the impact of Covid-19 upon cancer screening and cancer treatment in terms of missed diagnoses, advanced diagnoses, terminal cancer diagnoses, cancer deaths and treatment delays. [16652/21]
View answer1061. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his Department has undertaken a study to investigate the impact of Covid-19 and lockdowns on the provision of cancer services. [17011/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 946 and 1061 together.
The 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 HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. The NCCP is focused on engaging with cancer services, and with hospital management, in the designated cancer centres (and beyond in the case of medical oncology) with a view to ensuring the continuation of services for cancer patients.
The number of people coming forward to their GPs, being referred to Cancer Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) and attending these clinics decreased significantly in mid-March to May 2020 due to the fears in regard to Covid, and the reaction of people to restrictions in place at that time.
These figures increased over time - the total number of patients seen across all RACs in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249) and GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-10 this year stand at 112% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020.
Medical and radiation and oncology services are continuing, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up in the past year. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy up to end-2020 is at approximately 88% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology is operating at >90% of 2019 activity.
BreastCheck, CervicalCheck and BowelScreen resumed their services last year and service continues, albeit at reduced capacity, during the current level 5 restrictions. The focus is on getting services resumed to achieve the maximum screening rates that are compatible with a safe and controlled follow-up treatment capacity in the health service. Throughout the pause in screening and the restart, those who were already scheduled for further assessment or treatment were prioritised, and follow-up clinics continued.
The safety of screening participants and staff continues to be the highest priority at this time. Safety precautions are in place throughout the National Screening Services to protect against the spread of Covid-19 and screening services have implemented advised safety measures to reduce the risk of infection. I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasise that screening is for healthy people who do not have symptoms.
An important message to everyone now is that, if you have any concerns about cancer please go to your GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.
Funding of €12m has been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding will support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing 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 surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
In addition, 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.
