Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Brendan Smith
Ceist:
57
Mr. B. Smith
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the progress, to date, in addressing regional imbalances in the availability of cancer treatment services outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27150/99]
Brendan Smith
Ceist:
69
Mr. B. Smith
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the proposals, if any, he has to provide additional cancer treatment services in the North Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27151/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 69 together.
There have been substantial developments in the care and treatment of patients with cancer throughout the country over the past number of years. Considerable improvements have taken place in this area since the launch in November 1996 of the national cancer strategy, and the announcement in March 1997 of the action plan to implement the strategy.
The national cancer strategy's two principal objectives are to take all measures possible to reduce rates of illness and death from cancer, in line with the targets established in the health strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future; and to ensure that those who develop cancer receive the most effective care and treatment and that their quality of life is enhanced to the greatest extent possible. Underlying these objectives is the need for a high quality, patient-focused service. One of the specific objectives of the strategy is to ensure that all patients have access to an equitable, effective service with a uniformly high quality of care, wherever they live.
Regional directors of cancer services were appointed in each health board area, with three appointments being made in the Eastern Health Board area. A national cancer forum was appointed to advise my Department on appropriate developments and structures in the area of cancer. A special adviser on cancer services has also helped the process to move forward in an appropriate manner. I thank all those who have worked together within this structure to ensure that cancer services in Ireland are developed to meet the needs of those who develop the disease.
To achieve the objectives set out in the cancer strategy, some £26 million has been allocated between 1997 and 1999 to develop a range of cancer services throughout the country. I have allocated further cancer funding of £11.464 million to the health agencies for 2000. This will ensure the continued development of the cancer services in line with the strategy.
The main areas in which improvements have taken place to date are as follows: funding for 22 additional consultant appointments in the areas of medical oncology, haematology, palliative care and histopathology since 1997; screening programmes including the national breast screening programme, which has commenced, and the forthcoming national cervical screening programme; the National Cancer Registry published its third national report on the incidence of and mortality from cancer in Ireland – I have provided funding of over £100,000 to enable the registry to develop a data analysis and research programme; a review of counselling services throughout the country, which is an important element in the treatment of patients with cancer, was funded and carried out by the Eastern Health Board; and 24 cancer liaison nurses were funded and appointed in the Eastern Health Board area to improve and enhance the integration and co-ordination of the treatment of cancer patients.
In the North Eastern Health Board area I have provided a total of £700,000 for the further development of cancer services in 2000. This brings to £1.48 million the funding provided for cancer services under the national cancer strategy since 1997.
The National Cancer Forum submitted a report to me outlining the developments under the cancer strategy and highlighting many of the future needs of the cancer services. I am aware that many of the developments mentioned already have resulted in further demands being put on the services available. The particular areas needing further consideration include radiotherapy services, symptomatic breast cancer services, specialist oncology nurse training and education, and palliative care and counselling services. These areas are currently being examined by my Department. The funding of £11.464 million which I have allocated for cancer services in 2000 will be of importance in this regard. I am arranging to send a copy of the forum's report to the Deputy.
At my request, the national cancer forum established a specialist expert group to examine the symptomatic breast cancer services throughout the country. The group's report is due for completion in the near future. When this report is received I will give it careful consideration and I propose to make funding available under the national cancer strategy to develop symptomatic breast cancer services further.
I am confident that cancer services in Ireland are developing in an appropriate, co-ordinated and integrated fashion. I am pleased to report that we are making good progress in achieving the objectives of the strategy. I am committed to ensuring cancer patients in Ireland, wherever they live, will have a high quality cancer treatment service available to them.
