Keaveney talks Inishowen in Europe 21.12.07 ( Courtesy of Inishowen News.com)

Blow to Sligo Hospital campaign
Keane says no to NW Centre of Excellence
By: Matt Britton (Cortesy of the Donegal Democrat 20th Dec 07)

Professor Tom Keane, the man in charge of implementing the cancer strategy in Ireland, has confirmed there will be no Centre of Excellence in Sligo despite a continuous and much publicised campaign.The 'Democrat' has learned from well placed sources that not only will Sligo not be desiginated a Centre of Excellence, but Professor Keane has no plans to visit the hospital in the immediate future.This comes in direct contradiction to various Ministerial statements from politicians in the North West .This is further bad news for cancers sufferers in Donegal with the revelations earlier in the week that the Breast Check programme will not be rolled out for a further two years and will cover an exceptionally
large area from North Tipperary to Donegal. According to Senator Pearse Doherty, the campaign to retain and expand cancer services in Sligo General must continue. "This is a governmental decision and not one for Professor Tom Keane to make a decision on," he said. "I am reluctant to use the term 'U turn' but at the same time, I feel if the will of the people dictates. The Government can change their minds.They have done so in the past. I would urge Minister Coughlan to make the feelings of the people of Donegal strongly heard around the Cabinet table. This is not a political issue, it is above this and I and my party will give full support to this issue."

Fine Gael councillor, Barry O'Neill said Professor Tom Keane was not elected by the people of Ireland to make decisions. "This is a decision for those sitting around the Cabinet table. I would call on those who have been elected by the people to start representing the people of Donegal on this issue." Cllr. Sean McEniff, who recently resigned his seat on the HSE Board over the fall-out, said he was extremely disappointed at this latest development. "I will be organising a deputation immediately after Christmas to meet with Minister Mary Harney. This situation is simply non acceptable," he said. Speaking from Rome, Junior Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher said, "This is extremely disappointing news for the people of South Donegal. "Sligo General is an excellent hospital and it should at least be giventhe opportunity of undergoing an audit which would higlight it's many strengths. I feel the issue could be given further consideraion in the light of the exceptional geographic location."
In a statement issued from Dublin a spokesman from the HSE said"Professor Keane is not adverse to visiting Sligo personally but any such visit would not be in the context of any change in the current Cancer Central Strategy."

Keaveney Continues to Raise Issues over Cancer Services in Donegal

Tuesday 18th Dec 07 ( Courtesy of Cecilia Keaveney’s office)

Senator Cecilia Keaveney today met with Professor Drumm and raised with him issues surrounding the cancer services for Donegal.

"Female Oireachtas members got an opportunity to meet the head of the Health Service Executive to outline first hand issues of concern to us. I raised the issue of the role out of Breast Check for Donegal, the current status of the satellite radiationoncology unit for the North West and the opening up of the places in Belfast for other cancers”, began Senator Keaveney

I left this meeting without firm information given that Mr John O Brien of the HSE indicated that Breast Check was not currently under the HSE but was an independent operation. However Professor Drumm indicated that he would have the most up to date information supplied to me post the meeting.

Senator Keaveney continued, “In respect of the radiation oncology unit Professor Drumm indicated that it was a priority but that there needed to be decisions made in the North as there are North \ South dimensions to this. He also said that professor Keane will be looking to drive the provision of all cancer services given that he recently took up the post. I asked that professor Keane would keep me updated on progress made.

In relation to expanding the use of patient numbers in Belfast for more types of cancers, John O Brien did say that he would pursue this issue for me. There are people anxious to use those places but there are differences in whether some cancers are treated in a day case manner compared to the residential type of treatments for other cancers. Therefore there were complications that had to be looked at.
It is important to have these meetings on a regular basis which might help drive action between meetings on these health issues that cause us concern”, concluded Senator Keaveney.

Once again people in the North West are made to wait!

Women in the North West could wait over two years for Breast Check. Donegal Action for Cancer Care says it is extremely disappointed with news that women in the North West will have to wait for more than two years before they can avail of free Breast Check.

Minister for Health Mary Harney announced that Breast Check’s free screening service won't be fully rolled out for another 27 months.

Mr Paddy Hume ,spokesperson for DACC said “the group were assured by the government that Breast Check would be implemented in Donegal by last September. When we met with An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Letterkenny on the 29^th March we raised the issue of when Breast Check would be available to the women in the North West as we had heard that it would not be here until 2010- 2011.We were told very clearly at that time and were given assurances that we would have it in September 07. We told we had nothing to worry about. In our meetings with the HSE we again always raise the question of Breast Screening for the North West. At our last meeting we were told that there were problems recruiting staff from the region but that other staff had now been recruited and would be trained up. At that meeting we were told that the North West would definitely be in included in at the start of the roll out although maybe not as a full service. It was envisaged that this would happen within the first 6 months of 2008. The North West would definitely be in the first areas covered. This leaves us once again as the county where the health of our people is not classed as important and indeed we are again discriminated against.

Lives in Donegal do not appear to have a value!

Maybe it is time once again for the people of the county to say that we are not prepared to be treated as second class citizens” .DACC recognises the excellent services already provided by Letterkenny General Hospital and indeed we are working on a proposal to develop the hospital as the 9^th Centre of Excellence. We would like to take this opportunity once again to thank the staff of Letterkenny General Hospital for their ongoing care and support of our cancer patients.

Press release given to local papers on Wednesday19th December 07 by DACC

Donegal cancer fears after botched tests By Laura Lynott 4^th November 07

(Courtesy of The Derry Journal)

The breast tests fiasco in Portlaoise has highlighted the 'dire' need for improved cancer care across Ireland - but Donegal will still have to rely on a core service more than 150 miles away.

Eight new centres of excellence are to be set up to help diagnose cancer and treat even the rarest and most complex cases - but Donegal has not been earmarked for such a facility.

Despite the fact that eight women have been misdiagnosed at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, one cancer campaigner says the county has been 'left with the scraps from the table' regarding the new rolling out of cancer care.

Plans are afoot to set up eight 'super' centres nationwide - but Donegal is to only receive a linkage service from Letterkenny Hospital, via a core centre of excellence in Galway - 153.4 miles away.

Spokesman for Donegal Action For Cancer Care Paddy Hume says that in the light of the botched tests, the necessity of local care here in Donegal is more necessary than ever.

Paddy said: "Donegal had been left with the scraps from the table by the fact we will not have a centre of excellence.

"We have a large population, yet we will have to rely on a linkage service. We don't even know yet what this service will entail.

"The news of these failed tests highlights the fact that every main place in Ireland should have a centre of excellence.

"There is a real fear that patients could be forwarded to Galway.

"It is a worrying time - tests have already been misdiagnosed. And if you can imagine a woman who has part of her breast removed having to travel a huge distance - she is already very ill and may have children to look after, without having to travel to the other end of the country.

"It is all very scary."

Donegal left out

Minister for Health Mary Harney has said that the 'traumatic' event in Portlaoise: "underscores the absolute necessity of proceeding forthwith with the plan to establish eight leading cancer centres in Ireland."
But the minister has left Donegal out of the equation.

Half of the new 'super' centres will be established in Dublin, while the other facilities will be set up in Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick.

Campaign group Donegal Action For Cancer Care are awaiting news of a meeting with the minister to discuss the possibility of extending core services to Donegal's 147,264-strong population.

Paddy Hume said: "Centres of excellence are shown by research to aid cancer patients' recovery. But the Government has left us out in the cold.

"Leaving Letterkenny as an outreach centre is not good enough.
"We have a large population here, it is time it was served just like the rest of Ireland."

The reality of the problem here is well documented. Just a few years ago a single mother from Donegal opted for a mastectomy, rather than a have her tumour removed, alongside radiotherapy, as it would have been impossible to leave her children for five days to travel to Dublin to access cancer care available there.
 

Cervical Cancer- Think Vacination

Three Women die of cervical cancer in Donegal in 2006

( courtesy of Donegal Peoples Press Tuesday 30th Oct 07)

New statistics have revealed that 31% of women in the Ulster/Connaught region (aged 25+) do not go for regular smear tests (at least one in the past 3 years). As well as that, 63% of women in the region (aged 25+) believe that not enough is being done in Ireland to protect women against cervical cancer. Meanwhile, 64% of women (aged 25+) do not consider themselves at risk of contracting cervical cancer. 2 In response to these statistics, presenter of TV3’s XPOSÉ Karen Koster recently launched an initiative to encourage young women to get proactive about their health and put a date in their diaries to speak to their GP about getting vaccinated against cervical cancer. Supported by GlaxoSmithKline, an ongoing campaign has been running to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention. The campaign has sought to educate women on cervical cancer, its cause and how it can be prevented by getting vaccinated as well as attending for regular smear tests at their local GP or health clinic. Commenting on the initiative, Karen said “Unfortunately, cervical cancer is a sensitive topic which has touched the lives of most women at some stage. I was shocked to learn that this is a preventable condition and it is so sad to hear that many lives have been unnecessarily lost to this disease. Like most women I am guilty of delaying doctor’s appointments due to a hectic lifestyle. I hope this initiative encourages women to keep this at the forefront of their priorities and to make a conscious decision to protect their own lives and the lives of others by spreading the word about the availability of a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer vaccine and the importance of regular screening.” In Europe, a woman dies from cervical cancer every 18 minutes , while 73 women in Ireland die from the disease every year4. Anywoman, young or old,who is sexually active, is at risk of cervical cancer5. The disease is caused by certain high risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which up to 80% of women will come into contact with at some point in their life6- 8. HPV is a common virus which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, or intimate skin-toskin genital contact9. Supporting the launch, Dr Henrietta Campbell, CEO, All Ireland Cancer Foundation said “There is an urgent need to demystify the causes and preventative methods associated with cervical cancer. It is essential to raise awareness among women that cervical cancer is a preventable condition and that it is not hereditary. I would strongly urge women to actively protect themselves from cervical cancer by seeking the most effective way of preventing the disease, by being vaccinated and continuing to have regular smear tests. The fact is that globally cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in women under 459; it is time that the seriousness of these statistics is recognised1. The website serves as an essential tool in keeping women up to date on new developments in the preventative methods for cervical cancer.”

 CERVICAL CANCER- THINK VACINATION.

Letterkenny women are health conscious

By Elaine McFadden (Letterkenny Post Thursday 25th October 07)

elaine@letterkennypost.com

Letterkenny has a high rate of response to cervical smear testing it has been revealed this week.

Statistics released last Friday show that a shocking 31% of women in the northwest region, aged 25 years and over do not go for regular smear tests and women all over the Ulster region have not had the advised amount of testing to detect cervical cancer, which should be at least once every three years. Furthermore, 64% of women do not think they are at risk from contracting the potentially deadly disease.

However, according to a spokesperson for the Letterkenny Women’s Centre this week, this is not the case here.

“We have about 1300 names on our database and the response to our letters for smear checks and to recalls for a second test are about 70%,” the source said.

“A lot of women put it off because of the price attached to it, it’s about €30 just to go and have yourself checked out for cervical cancer, but here at the Women’s centre we do it for free. So we would strongly recommend all women to come along, whether you’re a medical card holder or not and tell your friends too. The early something is detected the better.”

Nationwide 73 women die of the disease every year. The Women’s Centre in Letterkenny assures that all cases will be followed up accordingly but patients are encouraged to contact the centre for their results.

“Your results will usually be ready in about eight weeks and we always advise patients to contact us after this time. However, any inaccuracies in your test and you will be contacted.”

Breast surgeon delay for another year

BY Catriona Gallen ( Derry People Donegal News Friday 26th Oct 07)

CANCER patients in Donegal will be waiting another 12 months before a permanent breast care surgeon starts working in Letterkenny General hospital.

Five months ago the HSE gave assurances that the critical senior post would be filled by Christmas. However the Donegal News has learned that while the post has been offered and accepted, it will be towards the latter end of 2008 before the surgeon is in place.

Donegal Action for Cancer Care has been long time campaigners for a permanent surgeon.

In June 2006, the medical board at Letterkenny General Hospital took a radical decision to stop treating new cancer patients. That protest was to highlight the lack of a permanent breast surgeon at Letterkenny General Hospital. At that time Dr Brian Hennessy, Chairman of the medical board said that the issue dated back to 2001.

A permanent breast surgeon for Letterkenny General was promised to the people of Donegal shortly before the general election in May last, however the Donegal News has learned the surgeon has only signed a contract of employment this month.

The HSE refused to state when the surgeon would be taking up the position and simply stated that "discussions are taking place regarding a start date."

Promises

The roll out of breast check in Donegal was also promised by Minister Mary Harney in 2005. The mobile unit was again promised for the people of the North West earlier this year but to date no start date for the roll-out of the programme has been set.

Senator Cecilia Keaveney met with Donegal for Action for Cancer Care members on Wednesday.

She said the Minister for Health Mary Harney has agreed to meet with the DACC. "I do believe that there have been major moves in recent times and this needs to continue. I'm glad that Letterkenny hospital has a fine basis that has been improved through recent announcements.

"Having the best possible services as close to home as gives us our best chance of survival it remains my key aim. It is an ongoing matter that I will continue to speak to Minister Harney about," she said.

Will Breast Cancer patients have to travel to Galway?

October 12th, 2007 ( Courtesy of the Donegal Post)

By Deirdre O’Callaghan
editorial@donegalpost.com

It has been claimed that Breast cancer patients from South Donegal will soon have to travel to Galway for treatment following revelations that the Breast Care Unit in Sligo General Hospital is to cease operating, possibly before the year is out.
Speaking to Donegal Post Fine Gael Cllr and Mayor of Donegal John Boyle expressed his dismay at the decision “the huge journey is tiresome for people and Dublin is almost as close as Galway. A centre in the Northwest has to come what with the population growing and I’ll be calling for that to happen.”
When the service in Sligo General will cease is unclear according to MEP Harkin who added “that could be three months, six months or even twelve months but the issue is it’s going to happen. I can support Minister Harney’s provision of 8 Centres of Excellence but the fact that not one of them is situated north of a line from Dublin to Galway is just not acceptable.”
MEP, Marian Harkin has challenged the Minister Mary Harney’s decision to designate eight Cancer Care Centres nationally of which Sligo is not one. In reply to questions from MEP Marian Harkin Minister Harney stated, “Arising from the designation of cancer centres and in order to comply with the Standards, the Executive has directed thirteen hospitals, with low case volumes to cease breast cancer services immediately, to be followed by further staged reductions in the number of hospitals providing breast cancer services from twenty-two to the eight cancer centres.”
But it’s good news for Letterkenny patients as Letterkenny General Hospital will be the sole exception to the designation plans and will become an outreach service of Galway. According to Minister for Health Promotion and Food Safety Pat the Cope Gallagher TD the appointment of a permanent surgeon with a special interest in breast care has been secured for the hospital and will take up the position in spring with a locum covering services in the meantime.

Donegal News Friday 12th October 07( courtesy of Donegal News)

Outlook optimistic for radiotherapy service
 

THE provision of radiotherapy services for the North West has moved one step closer following a meeting last week between Minister for Health Mary Harney T.D., and Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey MLA.

Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher was in attendance at the meeting in Dundalk and has hailed it as a "very beneficial and positive" one.

One of the meeting's main outcomes was the decision to look at the feasibility of creating a new cancer centre in the North West.

"Belfast Hospital will shortly be limited in its capacity to deal with patients and as a result of this we looked at combining their critical mass with the population of Donegal. Although no decision has been made at the moment as to whether this will be in Derry or Letterkenny," stated Minister Gallagher.

He added: "I am anxious to ensure equal access to cancer services based on clinical need and not which side of the border you are on."

The talks between Minister Harney and Michael McGimpsey have also been welcomed by Deputy Joe McHugh in what he describes as a "massive step forward for the North-west".

He claimed that Minister Harney, by entering into negotiations with her Northern counterpart, has taken a positive approach to the issue of cancer care in the North-west.

However, Deputy McHugh was adamant that action must be taken sooner rather than later. "The first step has been taken, but it must be followed quickly with the second step, or we could find ourselves playing the waiting game. We've waited long enough and I would urge Mary Harney to continue with the initiative she has shown and create a platform to enable us to provide radiotherapy treatment for the people of North-west. Women in Northern Ireland have had access to breastcheck for almost 15 years and it's important that resources are shared among all border counties," concluded Deputy McHugh.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin sent letters of petition to the health ministers north and south calling for radiotherapy services in the region. A letter was signed by serving councillors and elected representatives in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. The petition was sent in advance of the first joint meeting between Minister Mary Harney and Minister McGimpsey.

€80m private hospital plan welcomed

By Staff reporter ( Courtesy of the Derry Journal 12th October 07)

A Letterkenny Councillor has described the decision to develop an e80m private hospital in the town as a great endorsement for Letterkenny and the North West.

Clr. Ciaran Brogan led the tributes to North Healthcare Ltd at this week’s monthly meeting of the Town Council following their successful application for permission to develop the private hospital at Kiltoy. The new hospital will include 70 inpatient beds, 20 day beds, radiation and medical oncology and renal dialysis facilities, four surgical theatres as well as physiotherapy and primary care facilities. “This development is to be welcomed and it will take an awful lot of pressure off the existing hospital,” he said.

Clr. Damien Blake said the new hospital would put Letterkenny out in front in terms of the delivery of healthcare in the North West while Clr. Victor Fisher said the decision to grant planning permission was very good news for the town.

Clr. Jimmy Harte said the ‘HSE v private hospital’ issue could run for a while. “But I think everyone will agree that if this private hospital is run efficiently, it will be very welcome.”

BREAST CANCER CARE HIT

by Aine Hegarty (Courtesy of Irish Daily Mirror 4th Oct 07)

 A hospitals breast cancer services are to be cut.

University College Hospital Galway said services will be slashed from 5 days to 3 days because of staff shortgaes.

Fine Gael’s Dr James Reilly said patients must not be punished for overspending.

Cancer Conference urges men to get tested 20th September 07

(Courtesy of Letterkenny Post)

With up to 100 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Donegal every year, local men were, this week, warned of the importance of regular check-ups as the key to early detection.
The call came from a leading consultant who addressed a public meeting on prostate cancer in Letterkenny attended by almost 200 men with concerns about, or who have been affected by, the condition.
The Action Prostate Cancer event in the Mount Errigal Hotel was addressed by some of the country’s top health care professionals including Dr. Osama Salib from St. Luke’s Hospital, Sean Diver, Urology Clinical Nurse at Letterkenny General Hospital and Sonya Bowen from Action Prostate Cancer.
Dr Eamonn Rogers, a consultant urologist at University College Hospital, Galway, while highlighting the huge advances in treatment over the last 18 years, urged more men to visit their GP as early as possible with their concerns.
“With men now living longer than 30 years ago, this increases the chance of being diagnosed. This means we are picking up the disease almost 15 years earlier and so can begin treatments including radiotherapy or surgery.
“If you are showing any symptoms, get tested.”
Those attending the conference also heard a first hand account from a survivor of prostate cancer. Eamonn Donnelly from Men Against Cancer (MAC) was diagnosed with the disease nine years ago at the age of 57 and found solace in the various support networks available and from meeting other prostate cancer sufferers.
“When I got the diagnosis I was so shocked and confused as I was very active and fit. At the time, there were no signs that anything was wrong. At first I felt very alone, despite the support from my family, until I met others suffering from prostate cancer.
“I found it very sobering to speak to other men who had been on the same journey as myself so it’s vital to remember that you’re not alone.”