Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Health why a person (details supplied) in St. Vincent’s Hospital is being let go; if he is aware that the person's patients are deeply concerned and agitated by this development and that they do not believe that the proposed replacement is adequate to their needs; and if he will request the chief executive officer of the hospital to meet with the affected patients to discuss their concerns. [17620/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is responsible for providing public health care in hospitals and communities throughout the country and as such it would be inappropriate for me to comment on individual employment contract issues.

However, the HSE has assured me that a Consultant Medical Oncologist will be assuming the responsibility for the sarcoma service at St Vincent's Hospital and that on-going care for patients undergoing treatment for sarcoma cancer will not be compromised in any way.  The HSE has also advised me that there will be no reduction to the service provided.

In relation to your query on the arrangements for communication between the hospital and patients, the HSE has advised that, while patients may not have been individually informed, it is usual for patients to be advised at their individual appointments of the change in the person delivering their care. This can be done by the staff or by the treating consultant who can address any concerns patients may have.