Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, for attending to give the response on behalf of the Minister. I also thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter on the Adjournment as it concerns the care of patients with cancer in the constituency we both represent.

I acknowledge the work of the Irish Nurses Organisation in highlighting the issue I raise. It is surely one of those cases which completely baffles people when they contemplate the state of our health services and the way in which the Health Service Executive and Department of Health and Children operate them. The issue is the need to appoint an oncology liaison nurse to Cavan General Hospital. Oncology liaison nurses provide specialised advice and counselling for patients diagnosed with cancer, as well as a valuable channel of communication between the patients and the oncology team which provides their medical treatment.

In February 2004 the Irish Cancer Society funded a half-time post for an oncology liaison nurse at Cavan General Hospital and a half-time post in the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. The local cancer steering committee agreed to fund the other half of the post for Cavan General Hospital. Despite this funding, the position has not been filled because the Health Service Executive has failed to act to permit the appointment.

It is scandalous that a post for which funding is available and which could be providing a very valuable service for cancer patients has not been filled. The Health Service Executive has let down cancer patients in the Cavan-Monaghan catchment area served by Cavan General Hospital. I understand that the Irish Cancer Society can no longer hold its funding for the post and if the HSE does not act it will be lost. This would be a huge disservice to cancer patients.

An oncology liaison nurse in St. Luke's Hospital describes her work as follows:

My role is one of support during diagnosis of cancer and throughout subsequent treatment. I also provide an extra channel of communication between the patient, their family and the oncologist. This helps to ensure that both patient and family understand exactly what lies ahead. In many cases I can help to answer questions and help to alleviate unnecessary fears. I believe that by giving people information, time and support, there is a real benefit for the patient's psychological and emotional health, both during hospitalisation and later on at home.

I commend the Irish Nurses Organisation for highlighting both the need for this post at Cavan General Hospital and the unacceptable approach of the HSE. Cancer patients need and deserve better than this and I urge the Minister of State, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the HSE to act immediately to fill this post, otherwise, we will tragically lose the commitment to fund same.

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