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Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Questions (687)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

687. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who attended a rapid access prostate clinic for a diagnostic test in each month from January 2018 to date; the percentage of these appointments that were seen within the recommended timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9178/22]

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Written answers

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 performance of each Hospital in meeting target times for rapid access clinic (RAC) appointments is monitored by the NCCP and reviewed at monthly meetings with the Department of Health - with the latest KPI data and RAC attendance figures being available up to December 2021.

The attendances across all Rapid Access Prostate Clinics, and the percentage of these appointments seen within the timeframe recommended under the KPI (90% within 20 days of referral), is as follows for 2018-2021.

Attendance at rapid access prostate clinics

Attendances at rapid access prostate clinics in 2021 were at 95% of 2019 (pre-covid) levels.

The Government has provided significant extra funding for cancer services in Ireland. Funding of €5m has been provided in 2022 to continue the work of supporting cancer services and increasing capacity in the context of Covid-19. This is in addition to the €12m allocated in 2021. This funding is facilitating additional clinics and the extension of clinic times, as well as allowing for minor infrastructural works to be carried out and for locum and temporary staff to be recruited to support the delivery of services.

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