Very high skin cancer rates in Donegal

Published Date: 03 December 2009

By Matt Britton Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat

In a report published by the National Cancer Registry on Tuesday regions of high incidence in non-melanoma skin cancer were observed along the west coast of Donegal.

Lung, prostate and stomach cancer were found to be the most common forms of the disease in the North West over a ten year period.The National Cancer Registry published the first 'atlas of cancer' in Ireland which gives detailed geographical information on the distribution of all common cancers in Ireland between 1994 to 2003.

The findings are not suggesting that the level of incidence for cancer is down to a particular location but instead are likely to reflect socio-economic differences in population, exposure to risk factors such as tobacco, and uptake of cancer screening.

Outside the urban areas, regions of high incidence in non-melanoma skin cancer were observed along the west coast of Donegal while relatively modest geographical variation in breast cancer with the areas of highest incidence in the major urban areas, with the exception of Limerick.

For men, there were pockets of high incidence of lung cancer in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim and also a higher incidence of prostate cancer in Sligo and Donegal.

Stomach cancer showed one of the strongest patterns of geographical clustering, one covering the northeast of the country and the other in south Donegal while Bladder cancer was also found to be common amongst men in the county.
 

Living with 'This Thing' called cancer

Published Date: 26 November 2009 Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat

By Staff reporter By SEAMUS HAYDEN

I saw it for myself on Thursday the fifth. November, that is; all of this is very recent. I was lying on my side on a trolley, wearing a hospital gown, and had my knees pulled right up into my chest. A large-screen TV had been drawn in tight to the side I faced out from and the surgeon who is to operate on me, and who was standing behind me manipulating the flexible probe up my bum, asked if I wanted to see it and slowed down what he was about so that I could get a glimpse of it on screen. Then, he busied himself with another, stiffer probe, to measure where it was and how far it extended, more accurately.
How to describe it? All I saw really was a blob; a thing! I’ll tell you something, though; This Thing that I have is for real one mean s.o.b. and it’s not so little. It will pay me not to forget that.
I’m Seamus Hayden, by the way. I was manager of Swan Net Ltd in Killybegs and took over from Albert Swan as MD when he retired in 1992. I retired in 2000. People may remember me.
How did I discover I have This Thing and how did it happen in the first place? Indeed, what exactly is it called? I’ll take the last one first.
In simple terms, it’s cancer of the bowel! As to what caused it, none of the medical professionals I’ve met so far – doctors, consultants, nurses, therapists, technicians – are too concerned with that. Their focus is on what they can do, what they need to do now for me.
I suppose diet had a part to play in it. I was the son of a butcher, became a fisherman, and then something more. I was lucky enough to do more than an ordinary share of travelling. I have eaten steaks in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the United States that were so sinfully big I should have had to tell them in confession. For all of that, my diet would mostly have been remarkably ordinary; a few too many rashers and sausages from time to time, and smoked rashers at that, but who in Ireland ate anything different? Excess is the prime suspect.

What might have been significant – just might – was a genetic condition I was born with that was discovered only by accident when I was almost sixty eight years old: Hereditary Haemochromatosis, a condition that causes those affected by it to accumulate iron excessively!
The normal level of iron in the blood checks out at something less than fifty. Mine had climbed to something in excess of 3400. But, while cancers of the liver and the pancreas – and, in smokers, of the lung – would be hazards for the HH person, to my knowledge HH is not particularly associated with bowel cancer. Still, I think I’m generally correct in saying that cancers seek out iron in the form of a blood supply. The haemoglobin!

More pertinent is how This Thing came to light in the first place and there the story gets a bit complicated.
I’ve had spots of blood at the back end more years than I can remember, but, put it down to a bit of a varicose vein that I had checked out a couple of years ago by a locum doctor.

Letterkenny Hospital to close for six
Published Date: 19 November 2009
By Staff reporter Courtesy of Donegal Democrat
The Day Surgery Unit at Letterkenny General Hospital will be closed for a six week period between now and the New Year.
Confirming the closure, a hospital spokesperson said it was important to stress that Haematology, Oncology and Endoscopy day services would continue during this time.
“From Monday next, November 23 we intend to install essential decontamination equipment which will take two weeks. In addition, we have our normal seasonal Christmas closure scheduled for latter part of December. We have this week taken the decision to continue the closure of the Day Services Unit for the two weeks between the completion of the upgrade and the planned Christmas closure. Some limited other work will continue in the building including our Colposcopy Service.”
The Day Service Unit will re-commence its full range of services from Monday, January 4 2010. “Work is currently in hand to improve some of the processes within our Day Services in order to deliver a better quality and more effective Day Surgery Services for the new year. Integral to these developments will be the relocation of the Colposcopy Service to a new dedicated facility adjacent to the Gynaecology Department Area,” the HSE spokesperson added.
 

18 new nurses let go in Letterkenny

Published Date: 19 November 2009 By Paddy Walsh Courtesy of Donegal Democrat
Management at Letterkenny General Hospital have been ordered to give a week's notice to 18 newly qualified nurses who were working on three month contracts scheduled to run until early in the New Year.
Unions sources were due to meet today with management to discuss the proposed lay-offs with the possiblity that others may follow.
Yesterday, Irish Nurses Organisation representative, Noel Treanor said the move would prompt "significant anger and despair" among union members.
"There's a sense of we're going back to a situation where we are training nurses and then exporting them," he maintained.
Warned Mr. Treanor: "Some of the eighteen nurses who may not be in a position to jump on a plane for London will invariably end up on the dole."
The INO official said the move was instigated by the HSE in order to save money.
Commenting on the proposed lay-offs, a HSE spokesperson said a number of newly qualified nurses had been recruited on a "temporary part-time" basis in September.
"We will not be extending those contracts between now and Christmas and will be reassigning nursing staff from the Day Unit to cover their work," the source indicated
 

Yes Minister! - Betty gets her reply at last

Date: 13 November 2009 By Staff reporter Courtesy of THe Derry Jouranl
A Newtowncunningham cancer campaigner has finally received a letter from Health Minister Mary Harney - after writing to her every single day for the past two months!
Donegal Action for Cancer Care’s chairperson, Betty Holmes, from Newtowncunningham said her group have had their prayers answered with Minister Harney replying to them and agreeing to meet with the group later on this month.

She’s now delighted to have secured the meeting with the Minister to address a host of problems faced by people who are being treated for cancer in the peninsula.

She told the Journal: “We are delighted Minister Harney will meet with us on November 23.
“As part of the ongoing work within the DACC we are continuing to stay very focused and work hard to achieve our aims and objectives for our cancer patients in Donegal.
“We have been waiting for this meeting for the best part of two years, so for us and cancer patients in Donegal and cancer services at Letterkenny General Hospital, this meeting is crucial. We have a very clear agenda and we are working very hard to ensure that we have a strong proposal to bring to the meeting.”

She said the overall aim of the meeting is to bring “clarity and an understanding” of the difficulties faced by people suffering from cancer living in Donegal.
She added: “The breast screening has been addressed - we waited nine years for the roll out of that - but the thing is we have to be mindful that we stay focussed to ensure that the roll-out of breast cancer screening happens in a timely fashion and throughout the county. “
 

Sinn Féin and hospital management clash

Published Date: 25 October 2009 By Staff reporter By Declan Magee Courtesy of Donegal On Sunday

The general manager of Letterkenny General Hospital has rejected claims from Sinn Féin that up to 250 staff could lose their jobs at the hospital.
Councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn had predicted that a meeting between staff and management on Friday would reveal significant cuts to staff numbers and frontline services.
Management told staff at the meeting that the hip and knee replacement surgery would have to stop for a number of weeks.Staff sources have indicated that savings of €2.7m will have to be found.
General Manager Sean Murphy said in a statement he was extremely disappointed that Clr Mac Lochlainn would make such a statement. However, Clr Mac Lochlainn has insisted that temporary contracts will not be renewed in the future.
“To claim, as Clr MacLochlainn has, that up to 250 temporary contacts will not be renewed is completely untrue and only serves to raise unnecessary anxiety among our staff and patients,” Mr Murphy said.
“We have made it clear to our staff, local politicians and the public that, like all other hospitals and health services in the country, we have a legal obligation to remain within budget by the end of the year.
“It is the case that we are looking at different ways of doing that, and we are discussing these with our staff at the moment. We are focusing on non-clinical services. We will be ceasing to do hip and knee replacement from our waiting list for a number of weeks. We are also attempting to increase the number of patients we can treat through our day surgery unit.
“We cannot completely rule out the possibility of further bed closures and potentially reviewing a number of temporary staff contracts, but these are not an option on the agenda at present. As always, we will do our very best to minimise the impact on our patients.”
But Clr Mac Lochlainn said there was situation at the hospital of “death by a thousand cuts”. He pointed to loss of 33 nursing staff at the hospital earlier this year.
“Surgery and day services are being affected and we will be monitoring this situation closely because we believe that temporary contracts are not going to be renewed. We believe what there will be is a drip-feed of announcements with small numbers of staff going at different times. We believe these people will be let go stage by stage What is clear is that the hospital is operating at the minimum of what it can provide, any more impact is completely unacceptable.”
 

Concern that some cancer cases are being referred to Galway

Sep 19, 11:46 am Courtesy Highland Radio news
Senator Cecilia Keaveney has expressed some concern that the non urgent case load for Breast Cancer referrals to Letterkenny General is not achieving its 12 week goal.

This has led to some cases being referred to Galway.
The details were revealed in recently report which showed that the hospital is delivering on the goal of having urgent breast cancer referrals seen within the two week target.
However Senator Keaveney says while that is to be very much welcomed it is not acceptable that some patients with non urgent cases have to travel to Galway.
 

Inishowen women urged to avail of free smear test

Published Date: 18 August 2009 By Staff reporter Courtesy of The Derry Journal

Donegal Action for Cancer Care are urgently calling on women to avail of a free smear test before the scheme finishes in September. DACC’s spokesperson Betty Holmes said she wants to remind women - who wish to have a free cervical smear test - they will no longer be able to because of new proposals coming in to force on September 1.
At present any woman who requests a smear can go to her GP or local clinic and have it done free under the programme introduced last autumn.
But Mrs Holmes said: “The national cervical screening programme, Cervical Check, is to end open access to the scheme for women seeking cervical smears from September 1.
“From that date, it is implementing a call and recall system, where the programme will invite selected groups of the population for screening at specific times and recalls them when their next text is due.”
This now means from September 1 a woman will need a letter of invitation from Cervical Check to avail of a free smear test with a GP or nurse.
Women aged between 25 and 44 are being advised to have a smear taken every three years, and if aged 45 to 60 they are being advised every five years.
More information on this is available on www.cervicalcheck.ie or www.dacc.ie.

'We have more patients than we have funds for'-admits hospital chief

 Published Date: 18 August 2009 Courtesy of The Derry Journal

The manager of Letterkenny General Hospital has said the hospital will not be able to treat as many patients as it has previously, due to the economic climate. Séan Murphy has confirmed that the hospital is letting go 31 staff nurses and one healthcare assistant who were all on temporary contracts.

The Irish Nurses Organisation has said it is concerned about safety at the hospital adding that a reduction in services is now inevitable
The Health Service Executive said very effort will be made to rearrange work to minimise the impact on patient care, and the situation is being kept under constant review.
Contracts of 14 of the staff end this week, with two leaving later in the month, five in September and five in October. The contracts of the remaining six will terminate next year.
The HSE said the staff are all on temporary contracts of less than one year. It says many of the staff are employed on the Nursing Bank and work part-time for the hospital, as and when required. The 14 staff whose contracts are ending this week have between them worked hours equating to slightly less than four full-time staff in the last month, the HSE said.
Mr. Murphy said the hospital has been told it will receive no more funding this year and it has to maintain staffing levels to match it level of funding.
“Letterkenny General Hospital is committed to providing the highest standard of patient care and improving access to our services. Our waiting lists are continuing to reduce dramatically. However, in a number of services we are continuing to see more patients than we are funded to treat. This is unsustainable in the current economic climate. We have been clearly told that no additional funding would be available for Letterkenny General Hospital this year and we are, therefore, obliged to maintain staffing levels within the funded allocation".
The HSE is passing the details of the staff whose contracts are being renewed to Community Care Services for priority consideration should vacancies arise.

CD tribute to the late Michael McShane in aid of cancer

Published Date: 30 July 2009

By Staff reporter By Michelle Nic Phaidin Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat

A wonderful compilation ranging from the alternative to country and western is soon to be launched in a CD format as a tribute to the late Michael McShane from Burtonport. All proceeds from this excellent CD, titled Sing me back Home and on which two of his children sing, will be in aid of cancer services. Cancer services afforded Michael the opportunity to live his final months with great comfort and dignity.The band who have made the compilation possible is ‘The Populars,’ which Michael was a former member of.
Rosaleen McShane said: “It all started in June 2007 when ten of them got together to make a CD to raise funds for various charities. Michael himself was part of the group at that time. We are hoping that this CD will do well as it is all in aid of a very worthy cause.”
The band now has a few additional members with Sonia and Shaun, Michael and Rosaleen’s daughter and son taking part.
The launch takes place in St. Columba’s community centre, Acres Burtonport at 8pm on Wednesday August 5. A great nights entertainment and a cup of tea will be offered for all to enjoy and everyone is welcome.
All profits of the CD sales go to the Oncology Unit Letterkenny, Donegal Hospice Homecare and North-West Cancer Group and Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital.

Cancer patients urged to take flight

Subsidised air travel available to medical card owners

MARY Nolan, the spokesperson for the Inishowen Cancer Support Group, wants to see more Inishowen cancer patients avail of the daily subsidised shuttle service between the City of Derry and Dublin Airports.
Nolan, a volunteer with the Inishowen Cancer Support Group, is concerned that not enough people are aware of the service and she is encouraging cancer patients in Inishowen to contact her directly if they would like to book a place on the aeroplane.
“This is a great service. For just €25.40 cancer sufferers who have access to a medical card can get a return flight to Dublin. The flight takes just 55 minutes, compared to around four hours on the bus,” she said.
The service, which is subsidised by the HSE, has been running for a decade now but Nolan believes that more people could be taking advantage of it.
“This service has been up and running for around ten years now, but we in the Inishowen Cancer Support Group feel that it’s time to remind local people that it’s there,” said Nolan, who added that most people heard about the service via word of mouth.
Cancer patients routinely have to travel to Dublin hospitals such as Beaumont and St Luke’s for radiotherapy and other treatment, which can leave them weakened or feeling sick.
In such cases a round trip of at least eight hours by road can be tough to take, which is why Nolan believes the flight option is such a godsend.
“A lot of cancer patients need to go up to Dublin each week for radiotherapy treatment. They may have to travel up on a Monday morning and many need to come back on Friday nights. They may find it easier of they take the plane from Eglinton.
“I know that there may be a few older people that do not want to travel on a small aeroplane, but for a lot of other cancer patients this service is much better than travelling to Dublin by road,” said Nolan who have in the past left flyers advertising the service at GP’s surgerys around the peninsula.
“The only criteria is that you must have a medical card in order to get the flight for €25.40,” she added.
If you think you, or someone in your family who is receiving treatment for cancer might like wish to travel on this service to Dublin you should get in touch with Nolan. Her home number is 9383072. She can also be reached by mobile 0866068757. (Inishowen Independent)
30.07.09 Courtesy of www.inishowennews.com

How cancer inspired a Glencolmcille man to organise health seminar

Published Date: 23 July 2009

By Paddy Walsh Courtesy of Donegal Democrat

Male health issues dominated a special seminar organised by the Donegal Centre for Independent Living and initiated by a Glencolmcille man who in the past year has undergone a programme of chemotheraphy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The seminar in Letterkenny offered hope and inspiration but also heard some harrowing stories of depression that jolted the attendance of mainly men.
Christopher, who resides in Letterkenny, organised a pub quiz in Carrick to help fund the seminar as, in light of his own experiences, he felt there was a strong need for such a public platform on men's health awareness.
Chaired by training consultant Paul Fagan, the afternoon's presentations included addresses by Dr. Frank Forgarty, HSE Dietician Fiona Hegarty, Shauna Conaghan of the GROW organisation which seeks to help people overcome depression and anxiety, and Patricia Swan who specialises in an holistic approach to health matters.
Two men who have suffered from depression also addressed the seminar offering a searing insight into the condition and how it affected their lives.
"It was very positive and very interesting," DCIL Manager, Rosaleen Bradley summed up the day's events.
Such was its success that not alone is another one being mooted down the line but she declared: "Women are now knocking on the door to have a similar seminar organised."
 

Pharmacies to close tomorrow 21.07.09
HSE announces alternative arrangements for patients

PHARMACIES across Inishowen will close tomorrow as the dispute over the dispensing drugs under a host of State schemes begins to escalate.
Already hundreds of pharmacies across the country including almost all of the pharmacies in Donegal have indicated that they will withdraw from providing these services from August 1st as a result of a Government decision to cut their fees.
And pharmacists will meet in Dublin tomorrow to plan their next move after the government announced on Sunday that it plans to set-up a number of HSE-operated pharmacies in an effort to ensure that everyone who requires medicines under the State drugs schemes can continue to access them.
A number of those HSE-operated pharmacies will be established in Donegal including one in Inishowen at Carndonagh Community Hospital. The HSE say that people may have to travel further than normal to have their prescription filled.
Local pharmacists have insisted however that the HSE plans are inadequate.
“You can’t just put one HSE-pharmacy in Carndonagh to replace ten pharmacies that cover all of Inishowen from Newtowncunningham to Malin Head and expect it to work,” Liam Grimley of the Healthwise Pharmacies said yesterday.
The local pharmacist suggested that the move was just a tactic to try to “bully” the pharmacists into backing down.
He also said he was aware that the HSE has also invited pharmacies across the border to dispense medicines to HSE clients but suggested that their northern counterparts had indicated to them that they don’t want to get involved.
“It is really amazing to think that before Christmas we were being urged to be patriotic and shop on this side of the border and then the HSE would do this. There are hundreds of jobs at risk here and it’s unbelievable if they think this is the best way to resolve this, it makes no sense whatsoever.”
Mr Grimley said that tomorrow’s meeting would help Pharmacists decide on their strategy but said that it was already clear that Pharmacists would have to stand together.
“As usual rural counties suffer the worst when cutbacks like these are being made, but 95% of the pharmacists in Donegal have withdrawn from the scheme and thankfully our customers are very understanding of the situation we have been placed in.”
Meanwhile with local pharmacists due to travel to Dublin tomorrow to attend an emergency EGM, pharmacists across Inishowen will remain shut.
Customers should be aware that Duffy’s Chemists, New Road, Buncrana will be open from 5pm to 7pm to fill emergency scripts only. (Inishowen Independent)
 

Top post for Carn surgeon 16.07.09
by Liam Porter, Inishowen Independent

CARNDONAGH surgeon - Professor Cathal Kelly - has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and will take up the position in 2010, the Inishowen Independent has learned.
Son of the late Seamus Kelly and Bridie Kelly, Tiernaleague in Carndonagh, Professor Kelly’s family are well known across Inishowen.
His late father was owner of Inishowen Oil Company where his brother Conor now works while his brother Seamus is a doctor working in General Practice in Carndonagh. He also has two other brothers - Raymond and Brian.
 Professor Kelly is currently Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland since 2006.
A graduate and Fellow of RCSI Professor Kelly took up the post at the end of September 2006. Prior to his appointment, he was a Consultant General and Vascular surgeon with a special interest in endovascular surgery in Beaumont Hospital.
He combined this role with chairmanship of the surgical division and an academic position in RCSI 
as vice Dean for curriculum change. In addition to completing his basic and higher surgical training in Dublin, Professor Kelly pursued a research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA.
He has also won the prestigious Patey Prize of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland for research he conducted at Beaumont Hospital and he has also obtained first place in the intercollegiate Specialty Board Exams

Cancer group have fears on Altnagelvin funding

'Letterkenny could be downgraded' Published Date: 30 June 2009 Courtesy of The Derry Journal

Donegal Action for Cancer Care have said they are seriously concerned over the Irish government's plans to pump cash in to Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital. The group say it's 'crazy' the Irish government plan to inject money into a radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin - which Donegal patients will be able to use.
While they welcome the initiative to open up the much-needed and vital service for cross bor der residents, they are worried cash will not be invested in cancer services at Letterkenny General Hospital.
A spokesperson for the group, Betty Holmes from Carndonagh, told the Journal: "In DACC our first and foremost our priority is care for cancer patients. Cross-border care is a two way process.
"We are not anti-Altnagelvin but we think the government should be making the investment here. It is now a more important time than ever - with the economic situation in the Republic - to invest in Donegal. We just feel if the investment is made in to Altnagelvin then the other money will follow. In 10 to 15 years time Letterkenny will in effect become a community hospital."
Mrs Holmes said the group do not support private hospitals but feel that's what the Irish government are doing - paying for healthcare in the North - is indirectly paying privately for healthcare.
She added: "Why not invest in our own hospital. It absolutely crazy, people are just not tuned in."

Co-operation

Mrs Holmes' comments were sparked following a parliamentary question put forward by Inishowen's TD Joe McHugh last week.
He asked the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to issue a statement in relation to the integration of Northern and Southern health services.
In a reply, she stated: "As I informed the Deputy in my reply of 10 June, discussions are ongoing between officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland in regard to the potential for cross-border co-operation in radiotherapy services, following the announcement of Minister McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland of the provision of a satellite radiotherapy centre, linked to Belfast City Hospital, at Altnagelvin.
"I understand that the facility is expected to be operational by 2015 and I anticipate that Donegal patients will be among those using it. Since my reply of 10th June, there have been no further developments in this regard."

Flora marathon cheque for DACC 29.06.09
Courtesy of www.inishowennews.com

DONEGAL Action for Cancer Care (DACC) were recently delighted to accept a cheque from two local sisters who ran the Flora Mini Marathon in aid of the organisation. Brid Diver from Newtowncunnigham and her sister Frances Murphy, Manorcunningham, ran the marathon in Dublin on June 1 and raised €1,610 for cancer patients in Donegal.
“It is great for us as an organisation when we get phone calls telling us that members of the public have chosen us as their charity for fundraising,” said DACC treasurer Colette Burke.
"Such was the call we got from sisters Brid Diver and Frances Murphy who afterwards presented DACC with €1610 for their efforts.
"Like so many people in 
Donegal, cancer has had an impact on their lives and they wanted to do something positive to ensure that cancer services for Donegal patients are secured. Great work ladies," added Colette.

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Health and Children (Ms. Harney (Dublin Mid-West) by Deputy Joe McHugh on behalf of DACC for WRITTEN ANSWER on 10/06/2009 

QUESTION 8 

* To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify if plans are in place for County Donegal cancer patients to be treated at Altnagelvin Hospital in County Derry; if she will discuss these plans; when the plans will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter.     Joe McHugh T.D.

REPLY.
In April 2008, Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSS&PS), Northern Ireland announced the provision of a satellite centre (linked to Belfast City Hospital) to be located in Altnagelvin in Derry. It will provide the additional radiotherapy capacity needed to meet an anticipated increase in cancer in Northern Ireland. It also recognises the potential for cross border co-operation in the development of this resource. 
I welcomed the announcement by Minister McGimpsey. Officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland continue to hold discussions in this regard. The HSE has provided information on cancer patients and projected needs for radiotherapy to 2025 to assess the number of people living in Donegal and surrounding areas who would be likely to avail of the new services in Altnagelvin.

FOLLOW UP QUESTION asked by Joe Mc Hugh TD on behalf of DACC

DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Health and Children (Ms. Harney (Dublin Mid-West))
by Deputy Joe McHugh
for WRITTEN ANSWER on 25/06/2009 

QUESTION NO: 96

  * To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will expand on her recent reply to this Deputy in respect of integration of Northern and Southern health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

                                             - Joe McHugh
Details Supplied: Officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland continue to hold discussions in this regard. The HSE has provided information on cancer patients and projected needs for radiotherapy to 2025 to assess the number of people living in Donegal and surrounding areas who would be likely to avail of the new services in Altnagelvin

 REPLY.
As I informed the Deputy in my reply of 10 June, discussions are ongoing between officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland in regard to the potential for cross-border co-operation in radiotherapy services, following the announcement of Minister McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland of the provision of a satellite radiotherapy centre, linked to Belfast City Hospital, at Altnagelvin.

I understand that the facility is expected to be operational by 2015 and I anticipate that Donegal patients will be among those using it. Since my reply of 10th June, there have been no further developments in this regard.

If there is a specific issue on which the Deputy requires further information, I would be happy to supply it.

Gortahork woman's life saved by leading surgical team

Published Date: 23 June 2009 Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat

Ground breaking surgery performed by leading surgeons saved the life of one Donegal woman who would have almost certainly died had she lived anywhere else in the world. Sheila Toland's battle for life began on November 11 last when she was involved in an early morning car crash. She sustained life threatening injuries to her liver and in a state of reduced consciousness was rushed to an operating theatre where she u nderwent life saving surgery.
A surgical team led by Surgeon Michael Sugrue at Letterkenny General Hospital began the battle to save Ms Toland and by using the very latest surgical techniques shared with his international colleagues of the World Congress of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Sheila Toland survived for transfer to Dublin. In addition she received a unique new drug in the treatment of major bleeding related to trauma.
Sheila Toland from Meenlaragh in Gortahork said: "The accident happened next November. If it was not for Doctor Toland and his team I would not be here. They were fantastic. I know that I am very lucky to be alive. Letterkenny General Hospital are very lucky to have a surgeon like him working there."

Helsinki
Professor Ari Leppaniemi, Professor of Surgery at Helsinki and President of the International Association of Surgery Trauma and Intensive Care said it was remarkable to see monitoring of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and its prevention working so well in Ireland. He added that it was wonderful to see Ms Toland reunited with her family when currently world wide there would be an 80% chance that she would die.
Mr Sugrue said that working with the National Liver Unit in St Vincent's allowed Toland's right half of her liver to be removed and allow her to make a good recovery.
Ms Toland presented the awards for the best scientific research at a recent meeting and was accompanied by her mother Marian.The World Society in the abdominal compartment syndrome will host its fourth annual World Congress in Dublin from June, 24 to June 27 at Trinity College in Dublin.
Conference organiser, Mr Michael Sugrue, Surgeon said; "It is a great honour for Ireland to host World Leaders from over 40 countries, bringing together expertise in the fields of surgery, intensive care, anaesthesia and nursing. Choosing Ireland as a venue for this congress was easy given its renowned medical achievements over the centuries and its current world leading reputation in many aspects of medical care delivery."

Mr Sugrue said that the World Congress will identify new techniques particularly in intensive care and surgery that has the opportunity to save up to 60 lives a year in Ireland and 5000 lives a year globally

DACC wish people to know that Letterkenny General Hospital

is set to face staff cuts!! Where are our politicians?

The six hospitals earmarked for staff cuts are Galway University Hospital, Sligo General Hospital, Letterkenny General Hospital and Mayo General Hospital. Similarly, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe and Roscommon General Hospital breached staff ceiling numbers and face staff cuts.

A total of 456 staff reductions across the six acute hospitals in the west and north-west have been identified between now and the end of the year.

“Meanwhile, staff reductions have been earmarked at six hospitals as figures show the HSE is breaching its 'staff ceiling' by nearly 150 staff.

A total of 456 staff reductions across the six acute hospitals in the west and north-west have been identified between now and the end of the year.The overstaffing is contributing to the hospitals coming in over budget by €10.3m for the first three months to the end of March.”

By CONOR KANE Monday May 25 2009

Donegal can’t afford cancer!

We in DACC are delighted that Breast Check will now be allowed to recruit the necessary staff to allow for the roll out of Breast Check in Donegal as originally planned.We wish to put it on record that meetings have been sought on an ongoing basis with An Taoiseach, An Tanaiste, The Minister for Health and Prof. Brendan Drumm within the last year. Additionally we have on an ongoing basis written to all Donegal members of the Oireachtas requesting support regarding cancer services for Donegal and particularly in light of the current economic climate.
As part of our ongoing brief DACC are in constant touch with cancer care providers to make sure that promised cancer services are provided on schedule.
Consequently at our most recent meeting with Mr Tony O’ Brien CEO of Breast Check we specifically asked if the current hiring embargo would negatively affect the roll out of Breast Check in Donegal.
Mr O’ Brien informed us that Breast Check was subject to the same hiring constraints as the rest of the Heath Service.
DACC being intimately concerned about cancer services were immediately struck by the consequential loss of life for the women of Donegal.
We then in DACC had a responsibility to ensure that the people of Donegal were made aware of the consequences.
The release of this information seems to have created annoyance in political circles in Donegal.
DACC are surprised that alarm bells did not go off for our Donegal Politicians when the recruitment freeze was first announced given how critical Breast Check is for the women of Donegal.
Donegal Action for Cancer Care is totally committed to having Breast Check rolled out in Donegal in 2009.
We appreciate that Breast Check is a top quality service and we eagerly await its roll out in Donegal.
We compliment Mr O’ Brien and his team on the design of this world class service.
We fully appreciate Mr O’ Briens efforts on behalf of Donegal cancer patients.
We acknowledge his competency, integrity and professionalism.
We in DACC do not take anything for granted until the service is in place and the women in Donegal are availing of the same world-class service as the rest of the Country.
We conclude with our very sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us with this issue not only in Donegal but also from all over Ireland.
Thank you to everyone

Free booklet for Inishowen carers 13.05.09 Courtesy of www.inishowennews.com

Cancer group thanks walkers 24.04.09 Courtesy of www.inishowennews.com

Lung cancer’s devastating toll: 17 deaths every week

By Margaret Canning
Friday, 3 April 2009 Courtesy of The Belfast Telegraph

Seventeen people die of lung cancer each week in Northern Ireland, although survival rates have improved slightly, the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry said today.

A report by the registry after it monitored 2,000 lung cancer patients said that more women are dying of lung cancer than breast cancer in Northern Ireland. While cases of lung cancer were falling in men aged under 65, there was no decrease in women of the same age group. Anna Gavin, co-author of the report and director of the NICR at Queen’s University, said she was concerned that lung cancer was not decreasing in younger women. “Some 5% of female lung cancer cases occurred in those under 50 compared with 3% of male cases,” she said. “In fact, lung cancer currently kills more women than breast cancer.

“Young women who smoke need to think about the risks to their health which may not be fully seen for 20 or 30 years. Lung cancer is a preventable illness and as tobacco is the main cause in the vast majority of cases we must never lose sight of the need to work to reduce the number of people who start to smoke, while encouraging those who already smoke to give up. “The outcome of cancer is improved by multi-professional and multi-disciplinary working and it is encouraging that by 2006 two-thirds of patients were discussed at team meetings within hospitals.”

Report co-author Dr Finian Bannon said rates were higher in deprived areas. He said: “Lung cancer highlights the contribution to the health difference between the most and least affluent in our community – if the lung cancer levels in 2006 in the most deprived areas were reduced to the levels in the most affluent areas, then 40 per cent or 360 fewer people would be diagnosed annually. “Many patients don’t seek medical attention until late in their disease and treatments are then less likely to be effective. “We must encourage people who have symptoms to go to their doctor as early as possible and have these investigated. “In many cases it will not be cancer but if it is cancer and it is detected early, treatments are more likely to lead to a cure and improved survival.”

The report was launched jointly with a report by Macmillan Cancer Support on the experience of cancer patients, which found that cancer services are not meeting the needs of lung cancer sufferers and their careers.

The report said that 900 people are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland each year. It describes survival rates as “poor” despite a slight improvement. In 2006, 27% were alive one year after diagnosis, compared to 23% in 1996. Just under half were diagnosed at a late stage, which the report said showed a need for earlier diagnosis.

One third of patients were unsuitable for any type of surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy

But patients were seeking medical advice sooner and were increasingly referred to respiratory doctors, and palliative care. More patients were having chemotherapy. Services were fairly spread across all parts of Northern Ireland.

Cancer move hospital slammed as "A chamber of horrors"

Why would Donegal people want to come here? - Galway Mayor

Published Date: 02 April 2009 By Matt Britton Courtesy of The Donegal Democrat

The Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Padraig Connelly has accused the head of the cancer strategy of "living in cloud cuckoo land" and has branded University Hospital Galway as a "chamber of horrors".

His comments come in the wake of Professor Tom Keane's recent announcement that a transition team has been put in place to facilitate the transfer of breast cancer services from Sligo to Galway.
People from across south Donegal will be forced to travel to use the Galway hospital once the Sligo service is withdrawn. The Galway Mayor says he wonders why they would want to travel to a hospital struggling to cope with its current patient load.

However, the HSE has countered, saying Cllr Connelly has used "intemperate" language and is presenting an emotive "one-sided" view.
Speaking to the Donegal Democrat, Cllr. Connelly, who is also a member of the HSE forum said, "From the outset, I wish to make it clear that I lay no blame on the medical staff - consultants, doctors, nurses - even porters. They are not responsible for this debacle and are being frustrated in their efforts by the faceless individuals in the Dept. of Health and the HSE.
"I live very close to the hospital and am in there three or 4 times a week - it is a third world set up, you would find better in Calcutta or Baghdad.
"It is bursting at the seams with seriously ill people lying on the floor with portable drips; if they are lucky they might get trolleys. These are people who are suffering from life threatening diseases, many of whom had just received chemotherapy. I am not a scaremonger, I have seen this with my own two eyes.
"Just last week there was one porter on duty to deal with 60 sick people. The man just could not cope, he was totally helpless and they have the cheek to call this a 'Centre of Excellence'
"The whole situation is horriffic. Just last week, I talked to a young girl who was using her overcoat as a makeshift mattress sitting on the floor with a portable drip attached. A nurse approached her and said apologetically 'I am sorry but I will have to take your drip, I need it for an emergency.'
"This was a seriously ill young girl in her 20s who was being criminally deprived of her basic needs."
Mayor Connelly added: "All we hear from the HSE is 'budgetary constraints'. You cannot budget for illness - I don't choose to get sick, I cannot budget for it.
"Now they are expecting the people of Donegal to travel hundreds of miles to this place. Do they expect them to lie on the floor or trolleys without regular visits from friends or family when they have a perfectly good hospital on their doorsteps?
"The Minister of Health, Mary Harney has said that €272 million has been allocated to Galway to upgrade the service - this money is not for any capital projects or for the coalface. Is it just more administration money?
"I have been criticised for speaking out in the past but I am going to
continue until reality hits home. I have been there - I have heard the screams of pain and I have witnessed the tears of despair."
In response to Cllr. Connelly's allegations, the HSE has issued the following statement:
"Cllr. Conneely's descriptions are not an accurate reflection of the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway. He is presenting a one-sided view in emotive and intemperate language in one part of the hospital and is not offering a balanced or constructive account of what really goes on, on a day-to-day basis in UHG.
"We cannot comment on the individual cases that Cllr. Conneely raises, as we have a responsibility to our clients and patients to preserve their privacy and dignity.
"However, we can say that the Emergency Department at UHG is busy on an ongoing basis, given the huge population of Galway City and county that it is catering for.
"Contingency plans are put in place to address particularly busy times, and staff of all disciplines continuously work together to ensure that patients are looked after in an efficient and timely manner. A 13 bed Medical Assessment Unit is near completion and will relieve pressure on our emergency department by diverting acute GP medical referrals.
"It is important to point out that there has been a successful transfer of the breast service from Mayo General Hospital to UHG since November 2007. Patients from the North West are currently availing of radiotherapy treatment at UHG."
 

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