Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1509. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when he expects oncology treatment to be fully restored post the cyber-attack on 14 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33649/21]
View answer1592. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the impact the cyber-attack had on cancer services and patients attending these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34375/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1509 and 1592 together.
While the recent ransomware attack has had an impact on cancer services, every effort is being made to maintain services at present, with a particular focus on urgent and time-sensitive cases. Service provision continues to improve as systems are being brought back on-line.
- Services in Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) are continuing. While the ability to refer new patients to RACs was affected for a time, electronic referrals are now operating as normal in most hospitals, though some local issues remain
- Medical oncology is continuing (26 hospitals). Nationally, most services are operating at 100% of pre-ransomware attack levels, but with some delays due to manual recording.
- Emergency and some elective surgeries are continuing (most in 8 designated cancer centres) – with some delays related to administrative processing and imaging. Private hospital capacity is continuing to be utilised.
- While radiotherapy services were particularly impacted, all Linear Accelerators are now back in operation.
- Nursing staff support to patients is continuing, particularly through the acute oncology nursing staff attached to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (medical oncology) services. In addition, the Together4CancerConcern initiative also continues to provide psychological supports to patients.
Funding of €12m was allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is supporting hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and is facilitating 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.
