Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with Sligo General Hospital regarding the proposed transfer of cancer services from there to University College Hospital, Galway; the funding that has been provided to ensure that the high standard of diagnosis and care is maintained for patients catered for in Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30168/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is responsible for managing the transfer of cancer services to the eight designated centres nationally. The Assistant National Director of the Programme is assisting in this process and recently met with the management of Sligo General Hospital in relation to the transfer of breast cancer services to University Hospital Galway.

The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals such as Sligo General.

Funding of €7 million has been allocated from the Programme across the eight centres for symptomatic breast disease services, to support additional staff, including Consultant, Radiography, Nursing and clerical posts. Funding has also been allocated for some necessary additional equipment.