Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
689. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who attended a symptomatic breast disease 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. [9180/22]
View answerCancer 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 urgent Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics, and the percentage of these appointments seen within the timeframe recommended under their respective KPI (95% within 10 days of referral), is as follows for 2018-2021:
Attended a breast disease clinic
It is important to note that 2021 attendances at urgent Symptomatic Breast Disease clinics were at 121% 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.
