Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

A Cheann Comhairle, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on an issue of great importance both for the implementation of the national health strategy and for the provision of health care services in the constituency of Dublin South-East. First, I would like to focus on the facilities provided in St. Luke's Hospital in Rathgar. As residents and patients alike know, plans have been under way since July 2005 to transfer the oncology services of St. Luke's Hospital to a centre of excellence in St. James's Hospital. This decision was taken by the Minister based on the report, The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland.

The decision was designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care including surgery and medical oncology. What this means in plain language is that cancer patients will receive all the treatment they need under the one roof, experts will be available in the one location, and all available technology and services will be on site. It is known as multidisciplinary care and it makes sense. It is in line with international best practice and it has been proven that patients have a 20% higher chance of survival if they are treated in specialist centres. Patient survival is the objective of health care strategy and I therefore welcome the initiative.

Members of the board of St. Luke's Hospital have also fully committed to supporting this decision. They recognise that it is in line with international best practice and is designed to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. They are fully behind it. They have also ensured that the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's will be at the heart of the new arrangement in St. James's Hospital.

However, two major points need further consideration in this debate. First, there is a chronic shortage of step-down facilities in Dublin South-East and second, the site of St. Luke's is a unique place for respite and palliative care. It provides a calm and tranquil setting in which to recuperate and undergo serious health treatment. This should not be ignored. Anybody who has been there will know there is a special quality about St. Luke's.

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