Written answers

Tuesday, 22 November 2005

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

10:00 pm

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the many cancer patients who either endure long bus journeys for treatment or who are unable to travel for treatment; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that one cancer patient who was transferred from St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin by bus to Letterkenny General Hospital after having a lung removed; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that one elderly person stopped travelling to the capital for chemotherapy due to the fact that they could no longer endure the trauma of the bus journey has since died; the steps taken to ensure equality of access and equitable transport to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35474/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There is a significant responsibility on our health services to ensure that patients, particularly cancer patients, are adequately supported clinically and, where necessary, in relation to proper transport arrangements. As I have previously indicated, I consider that appropriate transport arrangements for oncology patients should be made available, where necessary, by the Health Service Executive, HSE. My Department has raised this matter with the HSE to ensure that appropriate transport arrangements are put in place on a national basis for patients who are required to travel. Transport solutions are already a feature of the current provision of oncology services. My Department has asked the HSE to advise the Deputy directly in relation to current and proposed transport arrangements for oncology patients nationally, including patients in the north west.

Patients should not be referred unnecessarily to Dublin for chemotherapy. All major hospitals providing cancer care are supported by consultant medical oncologists, the experts involved in prescribing chemotherapy. In recent years we have seen a significant increase in the number of appointments of medical oncologists at major hospitals throughout the country. This is in line with my policy to ensure that cancer care is delivered appropriately and effectively at regional level in line with best international standards.

Last July I announced the Government's plan for a national network of radiation oncology services to be put in place by 2011 and commencing in 2008. The network will consist of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital.

The Government considers that the best option in terms of improving geographic access for patients in the north western area is to facilitate access for those patients to radiation oncology services as part of North-South co-operation on cancer. Last Tuesday I met the Minister for Health for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, MP. We agreed that the new Belfast cancer centre, which is to open next March, will treat patients from Donegal. Details of the arrangements will be finalised in discussions involving the Health Service Executive, Belfast City Hospital and our respective Departments. This will involve assessment of the specific radiotherapy needs of cancer patients in Donegal and the development of clinical treatment protocols, including appropriate transport arrangements, to ensure best patient care. Discussions will also be necessary on the funding arrangements involving the hospital and the HSE.

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