CANCER campaigners and
local politicians have roundly welcomed confirmation
that the BreastCheck screening service will now go
ahead in Donegal in September.
Doubts over the service earlier this week created an
outcry and sparked debates in both the Dáil and
Seanad. Junior Minister Barry Andrews has now
confirmed that BreastCheck would be rolled out in
Donegal in September, Leitrim in October and Clare
in June. Donegal Action for Cancer Care (DACC) said
they were delighted that recruitment for the
necessary BreastCheck staff including radiographers,
can now go ahead.
"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,"
said DACC chairperson Betty Holmes.
Meanwhile, Cooperating for Cancer Care (NW) also
welcomed the arrival, in five months time, of the
screening service saying it would be potentially
life-saving for women aged between 50 and 65 years.
"We are very well pleased at the response of our
local politicians in putting this issue ahead of any
party politics and working together to get such an
immediate and positive response from the
Government," said CCC(NW) chairperson Noelle Duddy.
"Well done and do remember that when we work
together in full knowledge of the problems in hand
we can make good things happen."
Donegal Senator Cecilia Keaveney has welcomed the
news that the Breast check will be rolled out in
September as scheduled, although has stated that she
is appalled with the unhelpful and negative comments
issued by the HSE on the matter earlier in the week.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said she was "totally
disgusted" that the HSE could issue such negative
comments earlier in the week and within the week
could have the situation resolved.
"Given that talks were ongoing, such premature
negativity was not helpful for those looking forward
to this vital service and if a decision was to
emanate so promptly what was the purpose of scaring
people for those few days?" she asked.
Speaking directly after the Seanad debate, Senator
Pearse Doherty welcomed the apparent u-turn, saying
Donegal women had gone without BreastCheck despite
its availability in other parts of the State for
eight years. |
