Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1521. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that the cold capping machine at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore has not been made available to patients since pre-Covid; and if he will ensure that this treatment is again offered to suitable patients as a matter of urgency. [29597/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has advised, in conjunction with Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT), that the cold capping machine has not been available to patients in the hospital as a result of the reconfiguration of the patient environment within the Oncology Day Unit. This was required to limit the risk of Covid-19 infection amongst this cohort of immunocompromised patients.

The MRHT has further advised that it is continuing to review this therapy as a treatment option in line with infection prevention and control guidance and the ongoing management of Covid-19, with a view to the potential return of this therapy in Q4 2022.