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Gnáthamharc

Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004

Thursday, 28 October 2004

Ceisteanna (75, 76)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

66 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the progress in identification of the Dublin hospital which will accommodate the promised radiotherapy centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26292/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Liam Twomey

Ceist:

108 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the two sites for radiotherapy oncology for the eastern region will be announced. [26720/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 108 together.

The Government is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible to cancer patients throughout Ireland. To this end, we will provide considerable investment in radiation oncology facilities in the coming years. The central aim is to ensure access by cancer patients throughout the country to high quality radiation oncology in line with best international standards.

The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the report on the Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland. I will be advised by the chief medical officer of my Department in relation to the location of radiation oncology services in the eastern region and by other experts in the area. The chief medical officer is being assisted by a panel of international experts in this regard.

A detailed request for proposals issued to six hospitals in Dublin on 24 June 2004. The document set out extensive information requirements including details of current oncology services provision, approach to the organisation of radiation oncology service provision, capital and revenue requirements, transport options for outpatient and day-case patients, education, training, quality systems and research. The document also set out the evaluation criteria against which the proposals will be assessed as follows: overall quality of the proposal; quality of current cancer service delivery; quality of proposed integrated cancer service delivery, to include radiation oncology; commitment to research, education and training; suitability of site to accommodate radiation oncology and related services, including timelines for construction and capital costs; and costs, taking into account revenue costs, both pay and non-pay and staffing requirements.

A further breakdown of these criteria was agreed by the international panel and issued to all hospitals on 22 September 2004 to assist hospitals in finalising their proposals. The deadline for receipt of proposals was 8 October 2004 and six hospitals submitted proposals on that date. The international panel is currently examining the proposals in detail in preparation for its meetings with hospitals which will take place during the week beginning 13 December 2004. I expect to receive the advice of the international panel by the end of the year.

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