Arthur Morgan
Ceist:25 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available in each health board area in 2004 for cancer services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10911/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 April 2004
Ceisteanna (30)
Freagraí scríofa
In 2004, the total additional accumulated funding for each health board since 1997 is:
|
Board/Authority |
2004 — Additional Accumulated Funding |
|
€m |
|
|
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
183 |
|
Midland Health Board |
27 |
|
Mid Western Health Board |
48 |
|
North Eastern Health Board |
28 |
|
North Western Health Board |
38 |
|
South Eastern Health Board |
42 |
|
Southern Health Board |
57 |
|
Western Health Board |
62 |
|
Total |
485 |
Cancer services throughout the country have benefited significantly from this investment of €485 million which far exceeds the £25 million requirement initially envisaged under the national cancer strategy. This investment has enabled the funding of 90 additional consultant posts, together with support staff in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, palliative care, histopathology and haematology. A total of 245 additional cancer care nurse specialists, including breast care, palliative home care and oncology nurses, were appointed. The benefits of this investment are reflected in a significant increase in activity in all areas of cancer treatment. Approximately €95 million in capital funding has been allocated specifically for the development of cancer-related initiatives since 1997. These include an investment of €60 million in radiation oncology, €8.75 million in the bone marrow unit at St. James's Hospital and €11.9 million in BreastCheck.
The investment in radiotherapy will result in an increase of approximately 50% in linear accelerator capacity. It will also provide for the appointment of an additional five consultant radiation oncologists and will result in a significant increase in the number of patients receiving radiation oncology in the short term.