Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I have sought this debate on a number of occasions and I am happy to contribute to it. Everybody is aware there are problems with oncology services nationally but they are far more acute in the regions away from Dublin. I will outline what the problems are and, in doing so, will draw from my experience in the south east.

Recently, there was a farcical situation in Cork where an oncologist resigned because of the lack of infrastructure in the south-west region, leaving only one medical oncologist to cover the region. It is particularly ironic that the person now bearing the brunt of providing a service for the Cork and Kerry area is the person who had previously resigned from his post in Waterford Regional Hospital because of the lack of resources there. This demonstrates that the problem extends throughout the regions.

The cancer strategy stated that the four main cancers — breast, bowel, lung and prostate — would be treated in regional centres. It is estimated that by 2015 there will be a 31% increase in the incidence of these cancers yet there is still no proper oncology ward at Waterford Regional Hospital. Facilities there are so basic and conditions so cramped that it was necessary to knock down a wall in the day room to provide additional space. It is still too small to accommodate beds so patients are getting chemotherapy while sitting on chairs. This would be regrettable in a country of modest means but given our unprecedented wealth, it is nothing less than shocking and a disgrace.

If the new cancer strategy is implemented, it will mean the restricted chemotherapy and surgery being carried out in Kilkenny and Wexford at present will be transferred to Waterford. Waterford Regional Hospital is already in a chaotic state and this development cannot go ahead until the hospital has a proper day ward and oncology ward. If people are to be encouraged to come from Kilkenny and Wexford to Waterford, they must be reassured that they are going to a hospital where there are proper facilities. It is my understanding that the Government is at present breaching its guidelines in this area because patients on chemotherapy should be looked after in dedicated areas.

Waterford Regional Hospital is awaiting design team approval to proceed with services in the region but, in the meantime, patients continue to suffer. The Department has claimed that the delay is attributable to the HSE but the HSE claims the blame lies with the Department. Patients are stuck in the middle of the wrangling and are suffering. There is nothing new in one agency blaming another, passing the buck and not being accountable but I often wonder if those who have the stated function of expediting a caring and effective health service realise that by their deficiencies they are causing hardship for real people, not just names on a list.

My time is restricted so I cannot say as much as I wish about radiotherapy. The reason radiotherapy facilities are needed in the south east is that they will achieve the best outcome. It is estimated that there is a 20% better chance of recovery if radiotherapy is available in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery. I thank the Minister for her initial, if limited, response to the complaints from the south east. Two linear accelerators are to be provided in the proposed new private hospital in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. There is also an undertaking that there will be public access to these. This is what everybody has clamoured for and the hope is that they can be delivered in the short term.

I plead with the Minister to do all she can to implement this decision in the shortest possible time span. I also urge the Minister to ensure adequate public access to these facilities, in line with the commitments given to the campaign and to the public. I cannot overemphasise the importance of this in view of the genuine and continuing hardship being caused for people by obliging them to travel long distances for a vital treatment and one that is relatively inexpensive to provide. It is even more heartbreaking that this unnecessary hardship comes at a time when patients are already vulnerable due to their condition.

At present, designated transport is required for patients travelling to Cork and Dublin for radiotherapy treatment. A sub-committee of the Hollywood committee discussed this for a long time but no report has been forthcoming nor, unfortunately, is there any sign of a report emerging. The Tánaiste recently launched the group that was set up in Waterford to provide transport within the region to link with transport onward to Dublin and Cork. This is a local initiative but there is no functioning national plan. No solution has been put forward by the HSE and no funding has been provided. Now there is talk of conducting another study, which is ludicrous given that this matter has been examined over the past two years. It is essential that a proper transport system is put in place sooner rather than later.