Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
17 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children , further to Question No. 949 of 30 September 2003, if he has received expert advice on the question of self-testing for patients on anticoagulation therapy; if he will meet with members of Anti-coagulation Europe to discuss the matter further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10820/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe treatment available to patients on anti-coagulation therapy is normally provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a specialist, or in certain GP clinics with specialist agreement. A few patients may be opting to self-test, although this is a private matter between them and their doctors. Officials from my Department have met representatives of the self-help group known as Anti-coagulation Europe to discuss a system of self-testing for patients on anticoagulation therapy. My Department will need to consult further with relevant experts in this area to assess whether self-testing for these patients is realistic in a community setting, having regard to all the medical and other factors involved.
18 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children when his Department will announce the decision on the location of radiotherapy centres in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10844/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report, The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland, that I launched in October 2003 is a most authoritative analysis of radiation oncology and provides a detailed plan for the future development of radiation oncology services nationally. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the report and the development of these services on the lines recommended is the single most important priority in cancer services in the acute setting. The report recommends two treatment centres located in the eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. I have asked the chief medical officer of my Department to advise on the optimum location of radiation treatment facilities in Dublin. A detailed request for submissions for issue to potential host hospitals is being finalised. The chief medical officer will apply the guidelines established by the group with the support of the hospital planning office of my Department and international experts. Several international organisations, expert in the field of oncology, including radiation oncology, have been asked to nominate experts. I expect the office of the chief medical officer to issue this request shortly.
