Imelda Henry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for providing the opportunity to speak to this issue on the Adjournment and the Minister of State for coming to the House. The removal of breast cancer surgery services from Sligo General Hospital almost two years ago was very disappointing for the women of the north west. It was an excellent service that worked very well and it is greatly missed. I know the Minister for Health is in discussions with the National Cancer Control Programme manager on the issue and I await the decision on the matter. I hope the Minister will be in a position to return the service for the women of the north west.

Mammography services ceased in Sligo General Hospital in October 2009 and with the transfer of the breast cancer treatment services, the plan was to ensure a surveillance mammography service would be in place in Sligo General Hospital for patients with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. Given the above, it would be necessary to ensure a service would be provided from University Hospital Galway as the cancer centre, and radiographers would travel from the hospital in Galway on an agreed basis.

To complete investigations for patients falling within the Sligo catchment area, the National Cancer Control Programme funded two radiographer positions. The successful candidates for the positions were subsequently promoted internally and these posts were then subject to the national moratorium, and as such they have remained unfilled to date. Patients have therefore been forced to continue to travel to Galway for post-cancer mammography until resolution of the issue. I ask the Minister to ensure radiographers are put in place as soon as possible.

In September 2008, the Friends of Sligo General Hospital received a national lottery grant of €170,000 in recognition of the need to purchase a bus and formalise a daily service between Sligo General Hospital and University Hospital Galway. At the time of the initial allocation when the Friends of Sligo General Hospital committee sought to purchase a bus service, the quotations received were in the region of €300,000, and it was impossible therefore to proceed with the purchase at that time.

To this end and in the context of the current economic climate, where the cost of the bus has decreased, the Friends of Sligo General Hospital committee purchased a bus in early 2011, with additional funding from Cancer Care West and the Sligo General Hospital oncology unit trust. This bus has been commissioned to the highest possible specification in consultation with patients and local groups and it is expected that the bus will be on the road within weeks. The facility will provide transport for patients from Sligo for breast clinic services, radiotherapy and oncology appointments where necessary, and it is a positive development for patients in the region. The revenue cost of this new bus service is estimated at between €90,000 and €100,000 per year. The HSE is reviewing its policy on eligibility for non-ambulance based transport services. I urge the Minister to expedite this review and make provision to fund the revenue costs for this very valuable and much needed service.