Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1156. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to reports that some patients with cancer coming to Ireland from Ukraine, who were undergoing chemotherapy treatments in the Ukraine, could not continue these treatments due to their not being available in Ireland; the actions taken to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63145/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraChemotherapy is delivered in 26 hospitals approved for Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT). These are the eight designated cancer centres and 18 other hospitals providing SACT services. These 18 hospitals operate on a hub and spoke basis under the planning and supervision of the designated centres.
The centralisation of specialist services into designated cancer centres aims to optimise patient outcomes, through case volume, multidisciplinary working and infrastructural supports. This is in line with the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 which has the main goals of reducing the cancer burden, providing optimal care, maximising patient involvement and quality of life, and enabling and assuring transformation of cancer services. My Department leads on the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, working in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in the HSE.
This Government’s commitment to implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. New development funding of €20 million was allocated in 2021 and a further €20 million was provided for 2022. This funding was used to support ongoing initiatives and to drive improvements across all stages of cancer treatment, including the recruitment of 26 Acute Oncology Nurses who help patients accessing SACT treatment to manage their care and avoid ED attendance for routine treatment.
At the June NCCP Executive Management Team meeting, it was noted that a small number of people coming to Ireland from Ukraine were in receipt of or requiring treatment for cancer. A standard process was put in place in the HSE to manage these patients who need to receive treatment for cancer in Ireland.
This process will ensure that, for patients due to commence SACT, treatment will be provided in line with HSE approved treatments currently accessible to Irish patients. For those patients requiring continuation of SACT that is not currently accessible to Irish patients, they will be assessed on an individual basis, with treatment provided as appropriate and in line with reimbursement processes, as established by the HSE.
My Department has not been informed by the NCCP of any patient issues to date.
