Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The need for radiotherapy services for Waterford and for the south-east in general has been discussed for some time. The citizens of the south-east are anxious to have such services provided. The south-east is the second largest region in the country, with a population of about 450,000. Of these, some 3,000 are diagnosed with cancer each year with approximately 600 requiring radiotherapy.

There are various reports about consolidating special services within the health service as part of the drive towards increased cost-effectiveness. While I subscribe to that plan, a special case can be made where cancer treatment is concerned. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is traumatic both for them and for their family. The medical profession agrees that a positive outlook is an important part of the treatment process.

In that regard, it is a wrench for families when patients have to go to Dublin or Cork – many people from the south-east travel to the latter for treatment – and stay away from their families for perhaps a week, although the treatment lasts only ten minutes daily and is spread over five or six weeks. At a time of crisis, the support of the family is fundamental to the patients but, in this instance, there is a serious imposition on families.

Some people resort to travelling daily. However, the treatment takes a toll on the physical energies of the patient, which is unsatisfactory. On compassionate grounds, there is a strong case to be made for treating patients within their areas. Given the importance and density of the population in the south-east, and that the Government strategy is focusing on Dublin and Cork – with Galway to be included – it seems that to complete that jigsaw the south-east, and Waterford in particular, would be a good location for these services.

I am aware that there are capital and operational costs involved, but, equally, there is a cost involved when people from the south-east have to travel and stay away from home. The latter is borne by the health services at present. To that extent, there would be some return on investment in the service. The primary reason, however, is care of the patients at a time of serious illness, during which they can have the support of their families.