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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

UHK haematology services

Summary

Deputy Daly pressed for a haematology day ward, better bone marrow testing and an isolator for chemotherapy at University Hospital Kerry. The Minister of State said she would pass the concerns to the Health Minister and ask for a direct written response.

I raise the issue of haematology services in University Hospital Kerry, UHK. The Minister of State will surely agree that people with blood cancers should be treated as close to home as possible, especially as they require multiple visits to hospital. Basic services, however, such as bone marrow testing, cannot be done in Tralee. Therefore, I ask the Minister of State to ensure that the haematology day ward will be opened. The provision of ten beds or chairs would do to establish that unit. Additionally, the isolator which ensures that chemotherapy products are prepared and dispensed in a sterile environment in Cork University Hospital was inoperable for a fortnight recently. This resulted in essential, stressful treatments being deferred for all the people with those difficulties in the south-west region. One machine should be provided in UHK so the hospitals can work together. Most importantly, laboratory staff must be recruited. The current complement of two haematologists is not enough. Critically, if the laboratory - which must be accredited by the accreditation board - is lost, the provision of major services in areas such as maternity, surgery, medical care and accident and emergency will not be able to go ahead.

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Deputy, please. The time is up.

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The rosters are too much. We need equality of care for the hospitals in Kerry.

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I thank the Deputy for his constant advocacy concerning UHK. He raised the issue concerning haematology and also referred to an isolator for chemotherapy. It would be helpful if he could put this information into an email and I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to respond directly. Three or four issues were raised, but I do not have details available here on the floor to enable me to respond.

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