Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1831.To ask the Minister for Health to address the concerns raised (details supplied) in respect of reports on the lack of vital chemotherapy drugs and cancelled treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35230/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of an issue with the supply of systemic anti-cancer therapy treatments from Baxter Healthcare, due to a temporary disruption at the company’s Sandyford facility.

This issue is under active examination by Baxter Healthcare and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, with the aim of returning the facility to operation as soon as possible, and some production has re-commenced at the Sandyford facility on a phased basis.

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the HSE has contacted all hospitals that provide these treatments and contingency plans are in place at the affected hospitals to ensure continuity of treatment for patients.

The NCCP has confirmed that patients are being prioritised according to clinical need, and where a patient’s treatment is being rescheduled they will be notified by their treatment team.

Ensuring patients receive timely and quality treatment for their cancer remains a priority for the HSE and my Department. My Department is working closely with the NCCP to improve compounding capacity across all chemotherapy-providing hospitals, to improve resilience in treatment provision for the benefit of cancer patients.