Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
226 Mr. McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure patients needing radiotherapy treatment in Galway will receive treatment in the private clinic in Galway until the new radiotherapy facility in University College Hospital, Galway, comes on stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26924/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraReferral of patients to a private treatment facility is in the first instance, a clinical matter. Factors which are relevant to such a decision include assessment of patient need, existing service availability, indemnity and quality assured service delivery. The Western Health Board has informed my Department that it has agreed to work with the private clinic in Galway to develop protocols or care pathways to deal with patients who require radiotherapy for palliative purposes.
The supraregional radiation oncology centre at University College Hospital, Galway, will be fully commissioned and ready to treat patients in early 2005. Earlier this year, €2.5 million ongoing revenue funding was made available for this development. Approval has now issued for additional ongoing revenue funding of €9.5 million and for the appointment of 102 staff for this unit, including an additional consultant medical oncologist and three consultant radiation oncologists, two of whom have significant sessional commitments to the North Western and the Mid-Western Health Boards.
As recommended in the report on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland, the national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has been established. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographic regions. The group's remit encompasses recommending measures to facilitate improved access to existing and planned services, including transport and accommodation. The group will also advise on quality assurance protocols and guidelines for the referral of public patients to private facilities.
