Written answers

Wednesday, 25 May 2005

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will list the hospitals which have an acute stroke unit; the plans she has to extend this service to other hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17598/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of hospital services for people who have had a stroke. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the executive's national hospitals office to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements which will be put in place to ensure full and equal access for public patients to the proposed new private radiation oncology facility in Waterford city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17647/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services, including responsibility for decisions on the referral of patients for treatment at private facilities. Factors which are relevant to such a decision include assessment of patient need, existing service availability, indemnity and quality assurance.

As regards quality assurance, a national radiation oncology co-ordinating group has been established with a specific remit to advise, inter alia, on quality assurance standards for the provision of radiation oncology services at public and private facilities. The group comprises clinical, technical, managerial, academic and nursing expertise from different geographical regions. I am advised that the preparation of these standards is well advanced.

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