Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
112. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the provision of cancer care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The NCCP continues to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. The total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249). GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-17 (up to 25th April) this year were 153% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020, and 126% for the corresponding weeks in 2019.
Medical and radiation and oncology services continued throughout the pandemic, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up over the past year. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy up to end-2020 was at approximately 88% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology was operating at >90% of 2019 activity.
Urgent surgery was prioritised and there was an emphasis on maintaining safe patient pathways in this regard. Surgery numbers up to end-2020 were at 76% of the 2019 levels. This figure does not include surgeries involving public patients that were undertaken in private hospitals, so the overall figure is higher.
While the recent ransomware attack has had an impact on cancer services, every effort is being made to maintain services at present, with a particular focus on urgent and time-sensitive cases.
Funding of €12m was allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is supporting hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and is facilitating infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services.
In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding will facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
