John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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325. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made to progress the stand-alone chemotherapy unit at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39329/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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University Hospital Kerry currently provides day-case chemotherapy services as part of the regional SSW Hospital Group service. The service is provided by 3 visiting Consultant Oncologists from Cork University Hospital.  

Since the service in University Hospital Kerry opened in 2001, demand has increased substantially, with 831 patients treated in 2001, rising to 4,762 in 2018.  There is also an associated increase in the number of patients attending for review.

An appraisal of the future needs of chemotherapy and other cancer services is currently underway in University Hospital Kerry, in conjunction with HSE Estates.  On conclusion of this appraisal, decisions will be made on the future requirements and funding will be sought for the capital project involved.