Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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759. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure there will be no reduction in the level of cancer diagnosis, care and necessary surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3951/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). However, there are concerns that the scale of Covid-related hospital (and ICU) admissions to date in the third wave, and those expected in the coming weeks, could impact cancer services. Staff absences due to Covid-19 continue to challenge capacity in cancer services.

The principles underpinning cancer care delivery during the pandemic are:

- continuation of diagnostic services, particularly patients referred to Rapid Access Clinics;

- continuation of treatment, considering the risk: benefit ratio for each individual patient;

- prioritising time-sensitive treatment across the cancer pathway;

- reviewing the location of the delivery of cancer services to optimise patient safety and infection control;

- minimising any non-essential face to face patient contact, e.g. through the use of virtual assessment and triage where appropriate;

- optimising the potential for providing cancer services in private hospitals; and

- adherence to national guidance for all services as laid out by NCCP and the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer.

My Department and the NCCP are working to ensure the continued provision of cancer services where safe and appropriate, engaging with hospital management and staff. GP referrals to cancer diagnostic services will continue to be accepted. Medical and radiation oncology services continue. Particular emphasis is being placed on ensuring that all time-dependent cancer surgeries are continued, much of them in private hospitals. In that regard, focus will be maintained on the working of the Safety Net Services Agreements with private hospitals.

The NCCP continues to provide information on Covid-19 for cancer patients and their families/carers through social media platforms and through individual cancer care teams. Trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment, are being monitored closely. Also, the public are encouraged to contact their GP if they have any potential signs or symptoms of cancer.