Dáil debates

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Cancer Services: Statements (Resumed).

 

5:00 pm

Photo of Margaret ConlonMargaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. Since 1996, approximately €1 billion has been invested in cancer services nationally. Progress has been made and in government we are determined to make further progress. We must build on all aspects of cancer care and control until our cancer services are at world class standard. We are making patient safety and quality outcomes the drivers of all decisions on cancer care, which patient confidence demands. This programme of investment in cancer care will be pursued relentlessly, which is why I welcome the Minister's unreserved apology to the women affected by misdiagnosis. My thoughts are with them and their families at this very difficult time in their lives. I call for the speedy conclusion of the inquiry and compilation of the report, which is the least they deserve.

We must strive at all times to ensure patients have confidence in all medical services. As a new Deputy, I seek cross-party support to deliver a world class health system in practice, not in theory. I do not want a system where money is wasted due to duplication of services and personnel. We cannot let our own local parish politics block the deliverance of concentrated areas of expertise, all of which would ultimately benefit the patient who must be at the centre of all our health service goals. Location must not replace quality of service.

It is only fair to those working hard in cancer care to record the improvements they have made and continue to make. It is important that patients should have reasons for hope and optimism about cancer care, despite the events of the past few days. We have achieved the key goal of the 1996 national cancer strategy, to reduce the death rate from cancer in the under 65 year age group by 15%. This was achieved three years ahead of target. In 1997 no cancer screening programme was in place anywhere in the State. This year the roll-out of BreastCheck to the south and west will begin and a cervical screening programme will commence later in the year. BreastCheck is available in 15 counties, which is a success, but we must drive this superb project forward. A total of 60,000 women were screened by BreastCheck in 2005, a 19% increase on the figure for 2004. It is expected that more than 70,000 women will be screened this year.

I welcome Professor Tom Keane's appointment as the new cancer control director. He will have key goals to deliver during his two-year term to provide the level of service cancer patients deserve. Cancer is a word that strikes fear in the hearts and minds of everyone and, having had personal family experience in this regard, I agree our health care system must seek to allay those fears. I would want a top class service for myself and my family in which I would have complete confidence if I found myself in that position. I agree with the proposal for centres of excellence, as it is necessary for positive outcomes for patients that surgeons are regularly dealing with a critical mass of cases, which should ensure a higher success rate and constant upskilling on their part. Patients deserve this and we, in this House, must deliver it.

We must move from the notion of my backyard politics. I tuned into Olivia O'Leary yesterday evening on "Drivetime". She referred to people who say "I agree with the principle of centres of excellence but..."; "I am favour of centres of excellence but...", or "I welcome the concept of centres of excellence but...". We cannot talk out of both sides of our mouths. It must be ensured resources will not be spread too widely or thinly because if that happens, everyone will lose. I concur 100% with Olivia O'Leary that there must be no more "buts" and that the patient must always come first.

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