Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Dóchas was opened in 2004 as a dedicated centre for breast cancer care and it very quickly became popular in the area. It serves patients from across the north east, from Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Louth. It provides an efficient service for treatment and after-care with dedicated staff who get to know the patients personally. If the centre closes it will dramatically affect the lives of a great many people across the north east.

Dóchas has seen a constant increase in the numbers of patients it treats over the past few years. In 2002, it was treating 72 patients but by 2006 this had increased to 136. Initially Dóchas was told that 100 new patients per year was a requirement to remain open. This increased to 150 patients per year in order to remain open. The number of patients in treatment by Dóchas in 2007 dropped to 115. It appears that the reduction was partly because GPs were referring patients directly to hospitals in Dublin to depress the number of users of Dóchas.

In the months of January to March this year, Dóchas treated over 130 women. Inevitably more patients will be referred during the summer and in the run up to Christmas. This centre does not need to be cut. It is essential for a growing number of breast cancer patients in the north east. In one place, patients can avail of a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy.

The journey for many cancer patients to and from Dublin can be an arduous one. Many may have to travel from Monaghan or Slane to Dublin, where they are totally removed from their family, making it difficult for visitors. It is an arduous journey if one is ill.

I spoke to one ex-patient of Dóchas who described the comfort of knowing her husband and family were in close proximity and could visit on a regular basis. That may not be the case if this centre of excellence closes down. Every person I have spoken to regarding their experience in Dóchas has been positive. They have nothing but praise for the treatment and staff attention they receive. People describe it as an incredible service. The quality of aftercare could not be better. It is a centre of excellence for breast cancer services in the north-east. It treats a growing number of women with every week that passes. It provides a convenient and quality service for many people in the north east. The closure of the service would be a betrayal of these people who are asking for nothing other than the best treatment for their illness. We must retain existing centres of excellence such as Dóchas.