Vol. 491 No. 3
277 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the recent decision of the Midland Health Board regarding cancer treatment services in that area; when the revised and extended services will be available at Mullingar General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11748/98]
Reports on the future development of cancer services and pathology services in the Midland Health Board were submitted to the board in March 1998. At its meeting in April, the Midland Health Board adopted a series of revisions to these proposals, with particular reference to the location of oncology, haematology and microbiology services between the three acute hospitals in the area.
These revisions appear to represent a significant departure from the proposals envisaged in the national cancer strategy, which have been generally welcomed and are being implemented in other health board areas.
I have asked the national cancer forum to examine and give me its considered views on the original proposals on cancer and pathology services, and on the revised proposals submitted by the Midland Health Board. When the forum's advice is to hand I will be in a position to consider the matter further.
