Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

35 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position in relation to the breast cancer services at Mayo General Hospital, following the recent meeting with interested parties from Mayo who highlighted their concern at the possible downgrading of facilities arising from the report of the sub group of the national cancer forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28803/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of medical services at Mayo General Hospital is a matter for the Western Health Board, in the first instance.

At the request of my predecessor, the national cancer forum was asked to review symptomatic breast cancer services. A sub-group of the forum carried out this review. The sub-group had the following terms of reference: to assess the impact on the existing diagnostic services for benign and malignant breast disease in the light of the national breast cancer screening programme; the increase in the target population; the increased awareness of the importance of breast screening; and the current and evolving technologies in the area of breast screening.

The sub-group was also asked to make recommendations to the Minister for Health and Children on the diagnostic services for symptomatic breast disease necessary to meet projected increased needs; the need to develop associated services in radiotherapy; medical oncology; counselling and other support services; the resources required to develop these services; and the principles that should underlie the organisation and delivery of services for breast disease.

As part of the work of the sub-group, the regional directors of cancer services were asked for information concerning their current service and their views were sought regarding how the service should be developed in their region. In addition, three members of the sub-group visited each region. The consensus view regarding best practice in the management of breast disease was presented to regional representatives and their views on how this could be achieved in their region were sought.

The sub-group found that although services should be delivered as close to the patient's home as is feasible, the overriding priority should be to provide the best, safest and most effective treatment for women and, in so doing, provide the best opportunity for long-term survival to those who are found to have breast cancer.

I have received the report of the sub-group on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease. No final decisions regarding implementation arrangements at health board level have been taken. I established an advisory group under the chairmanship of Professor Niall O'Higgins to assist the health boards in formulating their plans for the development of services for symptomatic breast disease. This group has met with Western Health Board officials and clinicians. I understand that the Western Health Board is currently considering how best to develop breast disease services in its area and the board will submit a plan for the development of this service when complete.

I have no plans to downgrade the service or facilities currently available in Mayo General Hospital. I intend to work with the Western Health Board in ensuring a comprehensive and coherent regionalised approach to the development of services for symptomatic breast disease in the region.