Dáil debates

Thursday, 3 October 2019

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Cancer Services Funding

3:55 pm

Photo of Catherine ByrneCatherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I attend on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, and I thank Deputy Smyth for raising the matter. The Department of Health and the HSE's national cancer control programme have achieved significant improvements in the quality of cancer services over recent years. We have moved to system of care that consolidates cancer treatment in large centres with multidisciplinary decision-making and care, leading to better outcomes for patients. Cancer care in Ireland is provided across a continuum of primary care, acute hospitals and social services. In line with best practice, cancer surgery is centred in eight designated centres. There is clear evidence that patients who undergo cancer surgery in hospitals with a high patient volumes from doctors who see a high volume of cases have better outcomes. As such, cancer patients from Cavan have access to the services at the designated cancer centre at Beaumont Hospital and other centres as appropriate. Radiation oncology is also provided at Beaumont. At the same time, care is delivered to patients as close to their homes as possible. Therefore, medical oncology, mainly chemotherapy treatment, is delivered in 26 hospitals under the direction of the designated cancer centre. Cavan Hospital is one such hospital providing quality medical oncology care in the region. An aseptic compounding unit is also located at Cavan Hospital, enabling chemotherapy drugs to be made up on site. Cancer screening through the BreastCheck, CervicalCheck and BowelScreen programmes is also available to eligible people on a national basis.

The national cancer strategy 2017 to 2026 sets out a roadmap for the continuing development of cancer services over ten years. The strategy places a significant emphasis on cancer prevention, early diagnosis, access to quality treatment and maximising patients' quality of life. The need for the organisation of voluntary sector pyscho-social support is recognised. In response, the Irish Cancer Society has developed a programme of activities aimed supporting good practice and governance in cancer centres throughout Ireland. The programme aims to increase the collective strength of cancer support and provides valuable training to volunteers, managers and board members of affiliated support groups. I understand the Cuan cancer social support and wellness group in Cavan is affiliated to this programme. The national cancer strategy places a renewed focus on interaction with the voluntary sector. Recommendation 43 of the strategy targets increased collaboration with voluntary organisations to develop programmes which emphasise the physical, psychological and social factors that affect health and well-being. Funding to ensure the continued implementation of the recommendations of the strategy and the development of cancer services programmes is being sought in the Estimates process for 2020. Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 makes provision for the HSE to provide assistance to bodies that provide services similar or aligned to services that the HSE may provide. Voluntary cancer support centres may be eligible to apply for such and can also apply for lottery funding through the HSE. The Department of Health will continue to work with the HSE's national cancer control programme and voluntary organisations to address the needs of cancer patients in a holistic manner.

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