Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 2

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

John Perry

Ceist:

134 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has reviewed the report by the sub-group to the National Cancer Forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease; the plans he has to establish a breast care unit in County Sligo, fully staffed and resourced to deal with patients with breast disease; the negotiations he has had in this regard; the steps he has taken to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There have been substantial developments in the care and treatment of patients with cancer throughout the country over the last number of years since the launch in November 1996 of the National Cancer Strategy.

A sub group of the National Cancer Forum undertook a detailed review of the symptomatic breast cancer services with the over-riding objective of developing our breast cancer treatment services to an optimal level that ensures the highest possible quality of care and the best opportunity for long-term survival for breast cancer patients. Their recommendations are contained in a report entitled "Development of Services for Symptomatic Breast Disease". I accept the broad thrust of this report. In relation to the specific recommendations concerning services in the North Western Health Board area, the report recommends that there should be one specialist breast unit in the area. There is an acknowledge ment in the report that there is a service currently being provided in both Sligo and Letterkenny.

The North Western Health Board is actively engaged in discussions with very many interested parties in endeavouring to put proposals together on the development of specialist breast disease services. The board has cognisance of the fact that whatever services are put in place must be of the highest standards possible and that outcomes for patients would be favourably comparable with international standards.

I am confident that these deliberations and consultations on the future provision of services for symptomatic breast disease will result in an enhancement of the services currently being provided for women in the North Western Health Board area.