Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
897. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which cancer patients awaiting treatment are able to receive treatment as and when required; the extent of any waiting lists in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51265/21]
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 HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), including in relation to physical distancing and infection 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 are at 126% of 2019 (pre-Covid) activity; and
- attendances at Rapid Access Clinics from January–August 2021 (32,818) are at 97% of 2019 levels (33,935).
With regard to cancer treatment, latest available figures indicate that:
- the number of patients receiving medical oncology treatment from January–July this year stands at 88% of the comparable 2019 figure;
- radiation oncology from January–July is at 77% of the 2019 figure; and
- surgical oncology from January–July is at 72% of the 2019 figure.
These figures do not include private hospital activity used to alleviate pressure on cancer services, so the overall figures are higher. Also, the ransomware attack on the health services in May impacted on mid-Summer throughput, particularly in regard to radiation oncology.
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 was also 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, to extend clinic times, to provide additional clinics, to increase diagnostic capacity and to provide 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.
