Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

There are three operating theatres in Cork University Maternity Hospital — one obstetric and two gynaecological theatres. The obstetric theatre is fully staffed and the hospital is currently recruiting senior nursing staff to open and lead the gynaecology theatre service. In the interim, the gynaecology procedures continue to be carried out in the main theatres in Cork University Hospital.

The HSE advises that preparations are under way for the phased opening of the gynaecology theatres in the maternity hospital. It is planned that some minor surgical procedures will be carried out there on a trial basis on Thursday, 27 March with the aim of expanding the gynaecology from the first week in April. The ultimate aim is to have the gynaecology theatre open on a five days per week basis. These developments illustrate that gynaecological services continue to be improved in Cork University Hospital.

In regard to the wider issue of cancer care, the HSE has designated Cork University Hospital as one of two cancer centres in the managed cancer control network for the HSE South. The decisions of the HSE on four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased bais. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcome irrespective of geography. Professor Tom Keane took up his position as interim director of the national cancer control programme last November. Professor Keane will be engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the progressive, gradual and carefully managed transfer of services between locations over the next two years or so.

A decision on the location of gynaecological cancer services for the HSE South cancer control network will be made by Professor Keane and the national cancer control programme. The development of cancer services, and the continuing emphasis on improving cancer care, underlines the Government's commitment — which I am glad to have the opportunity to put on the record — to providing accessible and safe services for patients in the southern region.

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