Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
253. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department has ensured that patient representatives are involved in policy making, planning, practice and oversight of cancer services at local, regional and national levels as is recommended in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56399/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, working closely with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), strives to ensure that patient representatives are included in policy making, planning, practice and oversight of cancer services. In particular, the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee, established by the Department, plays an important role in this regard.
Wide consultation and collaboration with patient groups and advocacy organisations takes place on an on-going basis. Patients are involved through participation in working groups, regular consultation, and the appointment of patient representatives to projects. The NCCP maintains a formal policy on patient engagement, and has a Patient Engagement Manager who co-ordinates and monitors partnerships of patients and projects. In addition, many projects and initiatives are opened for public consultations that are advertised through print and social media, as well as disseminated through the NCCP’s communication networks.
My Department and the NCCP consider engaging with cancer patients to be an integral element of the work to implement the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 .
