IF THE Government reneges on its commitment to restore the Breast Cancer service to Sligo General Hospital it will pay a heavy price, Cllr Declan Bree, told a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West in Galway this week when the Forum was advised there was no notification from Government of a policy change in relation to the provision of breast cancer services

In response to a formal question submitted by Cllr Bree, seeking a date for the re-establishment of the Breast Cancer service in Sligo, the Forum was told “There is no reference in the Programme for Government to breast cancer services at Sligo General Hospital and there has been no notification of a policy change in relation to the provision of breast cancer services nationally.   Medical oncology and outpatient radiation oncology services will continue to be provided for breast cancer patients at Sligo General Hospital as at present.”

An angry Councillor Bree told the meeting that the response was extremely disappointing and unacceptable.   

Speaking at the Forum meeting Cllr Bree said, “In August 2009, against the wishes of the people of Sligo and the North West and against the wishes of the members of this Health Forum, the former government closed down the Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital and transferred the service to Galway.

“Up until then 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 who were second to none in this country.

“However in advance of the recent General Election both Fine Gael and the Labour Party  gave solid commitments that the Breast Cancer Service would be restored to Sligo General Hospital within a 100 days of the new government being established, and that commitment was warmly welcomed by the people of Sligo and Leitrim and the entire region.  

“In addition the Labour Party gave a solemn commitment that Sligo will be designated as the 9th Cancer Centre of Excellence.   That commitment was also welcomed and we expect to see that pledge implemented next year.

“It was in this context I submitted the formal 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 Government commitments, and seeking a  date as to when the Breast Cancer Service in Sligo General Hospital will become operational.

“I am extremely disappointed and concerned with the response we have received today.   The Government has had more than adequate time to at least set a date for the restoration of the service in Sligo.   If the Government reneges on its commitment to restore the Breast Cancer service to Sligo General Hospital it will pay a heavy price.” warned Cllr Bree.