DARA CALLEARY
Anna-Marie Flynn
YET another new set of figures disclosed this week adds to the ambiguity in relation to the number of surgical procedures carried out in Mayo General Hospital last year.
Figures released by MGH claim 95 cases were dealt with in total in Mayo last year. A total of 56 surgeries took place inside the theatres of the Castlebar hospital – an approximated 40 of which were primary surgeries or mastectomies and the remaining 16 lumpectomies. A further nine patients were diagnosed in late 2006 and treated in 2007. Early signs of cancer treated in situ accounted for five patients. Three people were treated for recurring cancer. Six cases of reconstructive surgery carried out immediately after treatment at MGH were carried out at University College Hospital, Galway.
An additional six patients, mainly elderly, were diagnosed and treated using hormonal or oral treatment. A further nine women were diagnosed in 2007 but treated in 2008. One patient, diagnosed in Mayo, was treated in Dublin.
The new figures, numbering 92 new cases and three recurring, contradict both sets of numbers already debated by Minister Mary Harney and cancer campaigners.
Deputy Dara Calleary (pictured) cited the new figures as cementing his decision on last week’s vote. “I am absolutely certain in my heart and in my head that we are doing the right thing, particularly in light of seeing these figures. We have guarantees from Professor Keane and Minister Harney and from the specialists in Galway. Mayo patients will be looked after properly in this system. Funds will be ring-fenced for Mayo patients and that should guarantee a service equalling that of Castlebar at the moment.”
He told The Mayo News a number of supports will be put in place including the provision of 20 more extra cancer specialists brought in to implement the plan. “This will mean that the current service needs to be as rapid in Galway as it is in Castlebar. There will also be a new strategy for GP referrals in dealing with urgent cases.
“A total of 23 of the leading cancer specialists in the country have gone along with this plan, the Irish Cancer Society are behind it. All of the medical evidence backs this up. As a politician, I want the best for the women of the region and I really feel this is it. I am conscious of the issues surrounding the transfer to Galway and that is something I will continue to be conscious of,” he concluded.
