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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

520 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if access to cancer services, quality of cancer services and clinical outcome are decided on the basis of equality of right to people in the different regions of the country; if so, if he will allocate resources and provide services on that basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20045/02]

One of the key goals of the health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You, is concerned with making sure that equal access for equal need is a care value for the delivering of publicly funded services. Access in terms of timing and geographical location are also embraced by this goal. Since 1997, over €103 million has been invested in development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Amongst a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 76 additional consultant posts throughout the country in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff.

This year a total of €27.3 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services. This includes the provision of €23.55 million which was allocated between all health boards for the continuing development of oncology services, including funding for oncology drug treatments.

In recognition of the need to further develop cancer services, the national health strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a revised implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. The national cancer strategy 2003-2010 is currently being prepared by the National Cancer Forum in conjunction with my Department. The new strategy will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years and will make recommendations in relation to the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally. This will have regard to existing policies in the areas of symptomatic breast disease and palliative care and the forthcoming recommendations of the expert review group on radiotherapy services. The forum is currently in discussions with the ERHA and all health boards in relation to the future development of cancer services, including how best to organise these services.

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