Seanad debates
Thursday, 21 November 2002
Adjournment Matters. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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In July 2000 the Mid-Western Health Board made a submission to the expert review group on cancer services on the necessity for a radiotherapy service in its area. About 1,500 patients in the board's area are diagnosed each year with cancer, of which 170 need radiotherapy. These are referred to hospitals in Galway, Cork and primarily St. Luke's in Dublin.
I will give the following examples of case histories in the mid-western region to illustrate how essential the radiotherapy facility is. A 69 year old housewife, following a right sided mastectomy on 18 April 2001 was referred for radiotherapy. She received her first treatment on 13 August 2001, almost four months later. Another example is a 21 year old student with Hodgkin's disease who, on completion of chemotherapy in April 2001, was referred for radiotherapy which commenced at the end of August 2001, a duration of five months.
Many ladies with breast cancer are given the option of lumpectomy and radiotherapy or a mastectomy. Many opt for a mastectomy rather than travel to Dublin for radiotherapy treatment. Travelling imposes extra strain not only on those suffering from cancer but also on their families and completely contradicts the philosophy of palliative training.
With one or two [notable] exceptions, differences in treatment patterns between the various health boards were not statistically significant. The most notable exception is the lower percentage of lung, breast and lymphoma patients receiving radiotherapy in the Western and Mid Western Health Board [areas].
According to the Caiman-Hine report produced in 1995, a population of 280,000 to 300,000 justifies a two machine radiotherapy centre. The population in the mid-west justifies the provision of a radiotherapy facility. I implore the Minister, Deputy Martin, to give a commitment to provide such a facility for the Mid-Western Health Board region. I will continue my crusade for this facility until he and the Department of Health and Children provide this essential service for the area I represent.
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment and for giving me this opportunity on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, to set out the current position on the development of radiotherapy services nationally and in the Mid-Western Health Board specifically.
As the Senator is aware, the Minister established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group. I understand that all health boards, including the Mid-Western Health Board, have been afforded an opportunity to meet and make submissions to the group. The work of the expert group is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that it will be completed shortly. Until such time as the Minister has received and considered the expert report, he is not in. a position to indicate any specific developments for radiotherapy services.
The Minister is fully committed to the development of quality services to achieve best health outcomes. Regarding the development of cancer services generally, this commitment can be seen in the level of funding provided. Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy commenced in 1997, more than â¬103 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Cancer services throughout the country have benefited from this investment which far exceeds the £25 million requirement initially envisaged under the national cancer strategy.
Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology, haematology and radiation oncology, together with the associated support staff.
This year, a total of â¬27.3 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services, â¬23.55 million of which was allocated between health boards. Since the commencement of the implementation of the national cancer strategy, â¬8.25 million of dedicated funding has been allocated to the Mid-Western Health Board specifically for the development of oncology and related services.
An additional sum of â¬29 million is being allocated in 2003 for cancer services. This investment will ensure that next year we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services throughout the country in such areas as oncology/haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services.
I realise that, while much has been achieved in recent years in the development of the health services, much remains to be done. In recognition of the need to develop cancer services further, the national health strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a new national cancer strategy.
The National Cancer Strategy 2003 is being prepared by the national cancer forum under the chairmanship of Professor Paul Redmond of Cork University Hospital in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children. The new strategy will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally. This will have regard to existing policies in the areas of symptomatic breast disease and palliative care and the forthcoming recommendations of the expert group on radiotherapy services.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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In July 2000, the health board presented a reportâ
Pat MoylanMichael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I thought we were entitled to ask a supplementary question on the Adjournment.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I understand it was allowed last week. I would like clarification on that.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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All I want to do is ask a question. When will the expert review group present its findings? There was nothing definite in the Minister of State's reply.
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There was no information in my reply on that. If necessary, I can ask officials from the Department to communicate with the Senator.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I would appreciate it if they would do so.