Vol. 494 No. 6
41 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting lists for mammographies; if his attention has been drawn to the anguish which this causes to patients where breast cancer is queried; the proposals, if any, he has to improve the service for public patients in view of the vital importance of early detection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18875/98]
Waiting times for mammograms vary between hospitals depending on the urgency of cases. Urgent appointments are seen as quickly as possible and while the demand for mammograms is high, hospitals make every effort to cater for women seeking appointments as soon as possible. Where a woman is concerned at the length of time she has to wait, she can ask her general practitioner to discuss her case with a consultant radiologist, who decides upon the priority of cases.
I am very conscious of the importance of mammography services and I am strongly committed to developing mammography services in the context of the national cancer strategy.
