The goals of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) are better cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survival through a national service based on evidence and best practice. This involves significant re-alignment of cancer services to move from a fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.
In line with the recommendations of the 2006 Cancer Control Strategy, eight hospitals have been designated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as cancer centres. These eight hospitals, within which cancer diagnosis and surgery is to be located, will operate within four managed cancer control networks. This process was completed in 2009 for breast cancer diagnostic and surgical services, all of which are now located in the eight centres.
As regards the breast service at Cork University Hospital and the Deputy's suggestion that it cannot meet demand, on the contrary I am very pleased to advise that, to date in 2010, the service is fully compliant with waiting time targets as laid down in the Health Information Quality Authority's (HIQA) National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services.
The development of private medical services is principally a matter for the private sector although I recognise the need for regulation of the establishment and operation of acute hospitals, public and private, in Ireland. Accordingly legislative proposals are being developed by my Department on the licensing of health care facilities, including cancer facilities, based on explicit standards to be set by HIQA. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department's Chief Medical Officer wrote late last year to private health insurers and the independent hospital sector reminding them of the importance of complying with the HIQA Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services. The Deputy may also wish to note that consultants employed in public hospitals are entitled, depending on the type of contract they hold, to engage in private practice.