Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of haematology services in University Hospital Kerry, UHK. The Minister of State will surely agree that people with blood cancers should be treated as close to home as possible, especially as they require multiple visits to hospital. Basic services, however, such as bone marrow testing, cannot be done in Tralee. Therefore, I ask the Minister of State to ensure that the haematology day ward will be opened. The provision of ten beds or chairs would do to establish that unit. Additionally, the isolator which ensures that chemotherapy products are prepared and dispensed in a sterile environment in Cork University Hospital was inoperable for a fortnight recently. This resulted in essential, stressful treatments being deferred for all the people with those difficulties in the south-west region. One machine should be provided in UHK so the hospitals can work together. Most importantly, laboratory staff must be recruited. The current complement of two haematologists is not enough. Critically, if the laboratory - which must be accredited by the accreditation board - is lost, the provision of major services in areas such as maternity, surgery, medical care and accident and emergency will not be able to go ahead.

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