Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

445 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a selection machine, which is used for radio therapy for women suffering form cervical cancer, is lying idle in St. Luke's Hospital following its transfer from St. Anne's Hospital in November 1997; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this is the only machine of its kind in Ireland; his views on whether the lack of staff has resulted in the specialised unit being shut down thus leaving the machine idle; if he will make funding available to ensure that this machine is used for its intended purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21480/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The low-dose brachytherapy unit (selectron unit) was transferred from St. Anne's Hospital at the end of 1997, as part of the planned amalgamation of services from St. Anne's to St. Luke's.

The unit became operational in St. Luke's Hospital in January 1998 and has been in continuous use up until 12 October 1998. The unit has been temporarily out of commission since 12 October and returned to normal service yesterday, 2 November 1998.

It should be noted that as well as the low dose brachytherapy service which had been provided at St. Anne's Hospital, an additional high dose selectron brachytherapy service has been in operation for the last number of years at St. Luke's Hospital. This allows for some flexibility in the choice of treatment machines, particularly for cases of cervical cancer. This service has not been affected by the recent curtailment of the selectron low dose rate brachytherapy service.