Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

588. To ask the Minister for Health the number of delayed treatments or appointments for cancer treatment since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. [25723/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. The total number of patients seen across all Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) in 2020 (44,233) amounted to 88% of the 2019 figure (50,249). GP e-referrals to RACs for weeks 2-17 (up to 25th April) this year stand at 153% of the activity in the corresponding weeks in 2020, and 126% for the corresponding weeks in 2019.

Medical and radiation and oncology services are continuing, utilising the safeguards of social distancing and infection prevention & control measures built up in the past year.  The number of patients receiving chemotherapy up to end-2020 was at approximately 88% of 2019 activity, while radiation oncology was operating at >90% of 2019 activity. 

Furthermore, the total number of new cancers diagnosed in RACs to end-2020 (5,874) stood at 93.7% of the 2019 figure (6,269). 

An important message to everyone now is that, if you have any concerns about cancer, please go to your GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.

Funding of €12m has been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support. It is also supporting virtual clinics and more accurate triage, and facilitating infrastructure and minor equipment purchases to increase capacity across Rapid Access Clinics and surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology services. 

In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

589. To ask the Minister for Health if the expansion of cancer screening services and cancer treatment has been considered even on a temporary basis to clear the enlarged waiting lists arising from Covid-19 restrictions. [25724/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Action Plan on Covid-19 identified the continued provision of cancer care as a priority. Cancer services continue to operate in line with guidance issued by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

While capacity across our cancer services has been reduced due to the increased need for physical distancing and infection control measures, funding of €12m has been allocated in Budget 2021 for the restoration of cancer services in the context of Covid-19.  This will support diagnostic services, virtual clinics & triage, organisation of treatment services, minor capital works and psycho-social supports. 

In addition, as part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.

All three national cancer screening programmes (BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, BowelScreen) are operating, albeit at a reduced capacity due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and the recent cyber-attack.

The focus of the resumption of cancer screening services includes the management of capacity across the whole of screening pathway, which includes follow-up assessment and treatments.

It is also important to emphasise that screening is for healthy people who do not have symptoms.  People who are between screening appointments, or who are waiting for a rescheduled appointment, are advised to be aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries to contact their GP, who will arrange appropriate follow-up care.

In terms of funding, an additional €10 million was allocated for cancer screening services to the HSE for 2021. Many of the new developments being funded in 2021 will help increase capacity and enable the management of screening service users with deferred appointments due to COVID-19. One important initiative prioritised for 2021 is the development and opening of new semi-permanent BreastCheck units in two locations, in Donegal and Dublin, later this year.