Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2010
207 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients from County Donegal who are awaiting breast reconstruction services at University College Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16739/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra208 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if patients can avail of breast reconstruction services through the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16740/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra209 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is possible to have a Galway-based Health Service Executive consultant working at Letterkenny General Hospital once a month to perform plastic surgeries; if she will examine this possibility with a view towards delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16741/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 to 209, inclusive, together.
Under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), there are four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. University Hospital Galway (UHG) and the Midwestern Regional Hospital, Limerick, are the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE West. Initial breast cancer diagnostic and surgical services for the HSE West region are now provided at these two centres or at Letterkenny General Hospital under an outreach service provided from UHG in conjunction with staff at Letterkenny. Breast reconstruction surgery is not provided at Letterkenny. Women in the area requiring breast reconstruction undergo this surgery at UHG.
Due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested by the Deputy in regard to the delivery of services. However, I can state that area of residence has no impact on access to breast reconstruction surgical services at Galway. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list, including breast reconstruction, for more than three months. It is open to such patients or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the NTPF directly in relation to their case.
210 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 9 March 2010, when a reply will issue. [16754/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
