Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Mary Harney, Minister for Health and Children.

I welcome the opportunity to address the issue raised by the Deputy and to set out the current position in relation to breast cancer services nationally.

The HSE has designated Limerick Regional Hospital and University College Hospital Galway as the two cancer centres in the managed cancer control network for the HSE western region, which includes County Clare. The HSE has advised the Department that breast imaging services are available at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick through a breast clinic which provides rapid access for all women with breast symptoms. The HSE has also advised that mammography scheduling is based on clinical need and referrals to the breast clinic are assessed, prioritised and subsequently referred to the radiology department for imaging. Urgent referrals to the breast clinic for mammography——

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