Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
788. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on the waiting times of 18 months for a public patient to access a breast check examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45966/21]
View answerBreastCheck, the national breast cancer screening programme, is currently operating and inviting women for screening. Due to the impact of Covid-19 and the pauses in screening in 2020 and again earlier this year, BreastCheck appointments have been delayed. It will take approximately 3 years to get through this current screening round, when it normally takes about 2 years. However, this is still within international norms.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and BreastCheck is running a campaign which encourages women to be breast aware, know the symptoms of breast cancer and the risk factors for developing breast cancer. The campaign also explains about the impact of Covid-19 on services and provides advice for women about managing their screening appointments.
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).
All Symptomatic Breast Disease (SBD) clinics remained open and accepting referrals during the Covid-19 pandemic. In light of Covid, clinical priority was necessarily given to referrals triaged as urgent. Symptomatic Breast Disease clinics had to reduce capacity in line with guidelines on social distancing and infection prevention & control measures.
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment.
- from January–September this year, GP e-referrals for breast cancer are at 130% of 2019 (pre-Covid) activity; and
- attendances at urgent Symptomatic Breast Disease clinics from January–August 2021 (16,211) are at 115% of 2019 levels (14,127).
As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m was allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. Additional funding of €12m has also been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support.
I have now secured a further €20m in Budget 2022 to progress the delivery of the National Cancer Strategy and this will have a significant impact on access to cancer diagnostics, treatment and support to patients across their cancer journey.
