Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made to address the demands of a group (details supplied) and the people of Donegal for the retention of breast cancer services in Letterkenny General Hospital, the introduction of BreastCheck, the provision of 70 extra beds at Letterkenny General Hospital, the establishment of a satellite radiotherapy unit in Letterkenny General Hospital and designated funding to assist patients and their families having to travel for treatment. [18964/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My objective and that of the HSE is to ensure quality assured, equitable and sustainable oncology services for patients in the North West. Since 1997, cumulative funding totalling more than €47 million has been allocated to the Health Service Executive North Western Area for the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. An 11 bed oncology ward was recently completed at Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH) and this is supported by an oncology daycase area, breast care suite and a clean air pharmaceutical preparation room. I recently approved the HSE Capital Plan for 2006, which includes provision for additional beds for LGH.

In relation to breast disease services, the Health Service Executive is currently examining as a matter of priority a model of breast care involving LGH and Altnagelvin Hospital to determine if it meets the quality standards required in best breast care. The HSE is scheduled to meet representatives of both hospitals in early June.

Patients in the North West are currently being referred for radiation oncology treatment to the Radiation Oncology Department at University College Hospital, Galway and also to St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin. A Consultant Radiation Oncologist from St. Luke's Hospital Dublin visits LGH three times per month as part of the multi-disciplinary care of cancer patients. The Government considers that in the short term, the best option in terms of improving geographic access for patients in the North West is to facilitate access for those patients to radiation oncology services as part of North/South co-operation on cancer.

I agreed with the former Minister for Health for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, MP that the new Belfast Cancer Centre will treat patients from Donegal. Both Departments have now requested CAWT (Cooperation and Working Together) to ensure the timely and effective delivery of the Ministerial agreement. As regards progressing the consideration of a satellite in the North West, the first priority is to deliver access for cancer patients in the North West to Belfast City Hospital as early as possible and thereafter to build on positive working relationships to deliver on this commitment. The issue of a satellite centre in the North West will continue to be progressed as a joint initiative involving bilateral discussions at Departmental and political levels.

As regards transport, the HSE NorthWest provides a full daily transport service from LGH to the major Dublin Hospitals. In association with the Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital (a local voluntary group), the HSE North West also provides a twice weekly transport service for patients accessing radiation oncology services in Dublin. The HSE also subsidises the cost of flights to Dublin for patients with cancer for whom this method of transport is a viable option. St. Luke's Hospital Dublin arranges to transport patients to and from the airport. In all emergency cases and where there is clinical need, an ambulance service is provided. The HSE North West will make every effort to assist patients who require transport and patients who may require transport are encouraged to make direct contact with the Hospital to determine suitable arrangements. The HSE is also committed to supporting the accommodation needs of patients in the North West referred for radiation oncology.

BreastCheck is preparing for the expansion of its screening programme for women aged 50 to 64 years to the South and West of the country. Capital funding in the region of €21m has been made available to provide static screening units and five mobile units. My Department made additional revenue funding of €2.3m available to BreastCheck this year and approval has been given for an additional 69 posts to facilitate roll-out. BreastCheck recently interviewed for Clinical Directors for both regions and has commenced the recruitment process for other essential staff. BreastCheck is in the process of shortlisting applicants to construct the new clinical units at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital, Cork and University College Hospital Galway. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Southern and Western regions will be met.

The developments outlined in relation to radiation oncology services, symptomatic breast disease services and the expansion of the BreastCheck programme will greatly enhance the diagnostic and treatment facilities available to cancer patients in the North West. They are a clear indication of the considerable progress that has been made in addressing the burden of cancer and reflect the priority given to cancer care in the North West region by this Government.