Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress on the advancement of a radiotherapy centre of excellence for the northwest; the negotiations that have taken place between Letterkenny and Altnagelvin in relation to furthering the plan for the said centre of excellence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3616/08]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Government is providing funding for radiation services in Altnagelvin Hospital; if so, the amount that has been given to this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3620/08]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount the Government paid towards Belfast Hospital, and the way the money was used; the details of the service agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3621/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 287, 289 and 290 together.

The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services is to (i) facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital (BCH) and (ii) progress consideration of a joint venture for the provision of oncology services in the medium term to patients in the North West from a satellite centre in the North West linked to BCH.

The Minister met with Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland on 28 November last. The potential for further cross border co-operation and collaboration in relation to cancer care, and specifically, provision of a satellite centre for radiation oncology in the North West, linked to BCH was discussed. It was agreed that both Departments would progress this issue through the Joint North/South Feasibility Study on the potential for future co-operation.

Cancer patients in the North West requiring radiation oncology treatment are referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or to University College Hospital Galway. A Service Level Agreement, between the Health Service Executive (HSE), Belfast City Hospital Trust and Altnagelvin Area Hospital is also in place for the referral of radiation oncology patients from Donegal to BCH.

The specific question raised by the Deputy in relation to this Service Level Agreement relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.

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