GOVERNMENT FAILS ON CANCER AND MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES
Monday, October 10, 2011 at 12:57PM NOT ONLY has the Government failed to date to deliver on its commitment to restore the Breast Cancer Service to Sligo General Hospital, we now learn that the commitments made in June by Minister Reilly and Minister Perry, to restore the mammography service at Sligo General Hospital in the fourth quarter of this year, will not be delivered upon, Cllr Declan Bree told a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West.
The Sligo councillor had submitted a question asking “if the necessary staff and resources have been put in place to ensure the re-opening of the Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital in accordance with commitments given by the Minister for Health and other government representatives, and on what date will the re-established Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital become operational.”
Cllr Bree told the meeting “Up until its closure the cancer unit in Sligo had operated to the highest standards and was serviced by an experienced and highly qualified team of medical and nursing staff
“However in advance of the recent General Election both Fine Gael and the Labour Party gave solemn commitments that the Breast Cancer Service would be restored to Sligo General Hospital.
“In addition Eamon Gilmore and Senator Susan O’Keefe of the Labour Party gave firm commitments that Sligo would be designated as the 9th Cancer Centre of Excellence.
“Despite the commitments and promises made by Fine Gael and Labour, the Breast Cancer Service has not been restored nor has a date been announced for its restoration and it is now clear that even the minimum request that the Mammography service be restored in the current year will not be delivered on.” said Cllr Bree.
In a reply the meeting was told “The National Cancer Control Programme has not changed its policy in the current reconfiguration of the National Breast Cancer Services. As the National Cancer Services Programme is directed by government policy and implemented by the National Cancer Control Programme, the Area would require a direction from the National Cancer Control Programme in relation to any changes in the current organisation of the provision of symptomatic Breast Cancer Services.
“Breast cancer diagnosis and breast surgery are the only cancer services to have ceased at Sligo General. As one of the two designated cancer centres for the HSE West region, Galway has a critical mass of expertise, sufficient throughput of cases and relevant multi-disciplinary specialist skills in cancer services which, as outlined by international evidence, achieve the best outcomes for patients.
“As part of the breast cancer service it is intended that one radiographer would attend Sligo General Hospital one day a month to undertake follow up mammograms for women in this area who currently travel to Galway.
“Despite repeated efforts it has not been possible to date to increase the radiography complement at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG). In the circumstances the priority in UCHG is to support the symptomatic service in Galway. The number of women involved is approximately 20 per month who travel to UCHG for their follow up mammograms. When UCHG has sufficient mammography staff it is intended to provide the follow up service in Sligo.
“While these posts were prioritised unfortunately given the current financial position the HSE has had to put in place a recruitment pause. As a result these and other positions are currently on hold.” the meeting was told.
In response Cllr Bree said “There are a growing number of people who are of the opinion that the Fine Gael and Labour representatives may renege on their commitments. If it is the case that cancer victims were used for vote catching purposes then the Government parties will have a price to pay.” he said.