Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when an independent audit will be carried out (details supplied); the impact the audit results will have on transfer proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7680/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to avert the proposed transfer of services (details supplied); if a review will take place of the proposed transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7681/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 173: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the proposed transfer of services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7683/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the meetings that have taken place in relation to the proposed transfer of services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7684/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 184: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if procedures (details supplied) can remain at a facility. [7871/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 171, 173, 174 and 184 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Mayo. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Mayo General Hospital. The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Prof. Keane is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations. The specific questions in relation to the transfer of services and meetings which have taken place in this regard relate 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.