Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37015/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Radiation oncology services for Sligo patients were provided by St Luke's Hospital prior to the development of radiation oncology services at Galway University Hospital (GUH) in 2004. The Galway unit was built with capacity to service the Sligo General Hospital (SGH) catchment area and there has been a gradual transition of the service for Sligo patients from St Luke's Hospital to GUH, which is now complete.

It was never the intention that patients previously being seen by the St Luke's consultant at SGH would now be required to travel to Dublin for follow-up; rather, the radiation oncology service at SGH has been taken over by the GUH service in a planned hand-over. Patients continue to have a locally based service with one radiation oncologist at GUH having a specific commitment to Sligo where weekly outpatient clinics are held.

Should a patient require retreatment, this can be provided at St Luke's Hospital where all records of previous treatment are available, if the patient prefers. Should the patient choose to be treated at the Galway unit, previous treatment details will be forwarded. While the majority of patients will have their radiation oncology treatment and follow-up in GUH/SGH, there will be occasional patients who for personal reasons will choose to attend a Dublin centre and this will be accommodated. However, this should be a very small group.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 88.