Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

This debate is about the provision of cancer services. The single most important person in the health service is the patient, or service user. The health service must be geared to provide the best outcome for the patient. That applies to the provision of cancer care as much as it does to any other area of health care. It has been acknowledged by Members on all sides of the House that the outcome for a person in Ireland who unfortunately suffers from cancer is likely to be worse than the outcome for a person with the same cancer in most developed countries. The area of paediatric cancer is an exception, however, as Ireland's results in that regard are as good as those in any other country. All paediatric cancer surgery is done in Crumlin hospital. It is obvious that the situation in relation to other cancers must be improved. That is why the Government has developed a cancer care strategy. The strategy has been drawn up, following widespread consultation, by an expert group consisting of 23 people. As the Minister for Health and Children said last night, 17 of the people in question are medically trained.

The cancer strategy draws on the evidence of cancer care programmes throughout the world. The development of cancer centres is at the core of the strategy. The phrase "centre of excellence" has been used by some people. However, I believe "cancer centre" to be a much better description of those locations where the specialised investigation and treatment of certain cancers will be carried out. Professor Tom Keane, who is a world-renowned expert, has been appointed to implement the strategy. I listened to an interview with Professor Keane on local radio last Monday when he explained in great detail how the centres will operate. He outlined specifically how the centre for the west and north-west regions — Galway Regional Hospital — will relate to Mayo and Sligo general hospitals and their catchment areas. The cancer strategy has been debated intensively since it was published. Almost all the debate has been conducted in a reasoned and passionate manner that, quite rightly, reflects the sincerely held views of those involved in the discussion.

I worked as a general practitioner in Sligo town for many years prior to my election to the Dáil in 2002 and I know the staff of the surgical unit of Sligo General Hospital. I am aware of their skill and dedication, having referred many patients to their care over the years. They are committed health care professionals. Like many people in the north west, they were disappointed to learn that initial assessment and surgery for breast cancer is to be conducted in a cancer centre. As Professor Keane said, the best available medical evidence shows that patients who have their cancers assessed and surgically treated in cancer centres make better progress and enjoy better outcomes. This important aspect of the debate must not be overlooked from the point of view of the patient. The most important consideration must be the achievement of the best possible outcome.

Issues have been raised about the implementation of the cancer strategy. Professor Keane has indicated that he is working to resolve such difficulties. Among the issues is the provision of beds in Galway Regional Hospital. People have also highlighted the difficulties encountered in travelling to Galway and back. The Minister, Deputy Harney, referred last night to the need to provide more modern and convenient transport facilities. After-care following surgery and chemotherapy for those who require it will continue to be available in Sligo. Comments have been made about the supposed downgrading of Sligo General Hospital. This is patently not the case. Four new consultants have been appointed recently and they will take up their posts between January and June of this year. A new medical assessment unit is currently being fitted out and is due to open in the near future. A development control plan, which is examining the future development of Sligo General Hospital, is being compiled. I understand that it will be available by the end of the year. Government policy aims to provide the best outcomes for those who are afflicted with the terrible disease of cancer.

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