Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1253. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase the level of financial support and practical transport provision for cancer care patients who have to travel significant distances to access specialised care; the measures his Department proposes to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11717/24]
View answerThere are two services, funded by the National Cancer Control Programme and administered by the Irish Cancer Society, which offer financial supports towards travelling for cancer treatment.
The first of these services is the Travel2Care Scheme, which is a limited transportation assistance fund. This is available to patients travelling distances above 50km to a designated cancer centres, approved centre, or an approved children’s hospital and will cover part of the associated costs for said travel.
The second scheme available aiding those travelling for cancer treatment is the Volunteer Driver Service. This is a volunteer delivered transport service wherein patients are driven to and from treatment in designated partner hospitals and centres. Drivers are interviewed, trained, Garda-vetted and must attend annual Support & Supervision sessions run by the Irish Cancer Society to participate in the service.
The service is free to the patient, with all costs paid by the Irish Cancer Society, and applications are conducted by approaching a healthcare professional in a partnered hospital who will then discuss the suitability of it for the patients' needs and make a decision on referral. Once referred, the patient must book appointments in advance with the Irish Cancer Society to arrange transport.
Further information on both schemes can be obtained from the Irish Cancer Society, via cancer.ie, emailing travel@irishcancer.ie, or by calling 01 231 6643 / 01 231 0522 to request information. I am advised that the Irish Cancer Society is happy to receive requests outside the guidelines on an exceptional basis.
