Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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164. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to difficulties in providing inpatient services for women with breast cancer in CUMH due to constant overcrowding; if there are undue delays for women; the way in which this is being assessed and dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52265/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the recent letter that concerned staff in the breast care unit wrote to management to outline access problems and capital funding deficiencies for diagnostic equipment together with other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52266/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

I am advised that the Breast Multi-Disciplinary Team in Cork University Hospital (CUH) raised issues with management in the hospital in regard to services for breast cancer patients there.

I understand that one of the main points brought up by the clinicians refers to inappropriate referrals to the Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics. This issue is being addressed nationally and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has established a Clinical Guidelines Group. The NCCP is also working directly with GPs to better streamline breast cancer referrals to acute hospitals to avoid unnecessary referrals.

Dedicated CT slots have been allocated recently to breast cancer patients in CUH to streamline patient pathways. An amount of €0.75m has also been invested in replacement mammography equipment in the hospital and this is of major benefit in addressing cancer diagnosis.

A review of Rapid Access Clinics (including Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics) was carried out by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in 2016. The review recommendations are being implemented at designated cancer centres to ensure the provision of quality, timely services to breast cancer patients. The performance of Rapid Access Clinics are also monitored on an on-going basis and steps will continue to be taken to address any issues that arise.

Requests for further increases in resources for personnel and equipment in CUH will be considered in the context of available resources in 2019.